Get ready for the first major snowstorm of the season. A winter storm is expected to hit southern Wisconsin that could impact travel, especially along the Interstate 90/94 corridor and affect communities including Madison and Milwaukee.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning at 6 p.m. Friday for southern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Emergency Management urges everyone to closely watch the forecast as the track of this storm is uncertain and snow total estimates could change.

Before the snow flies, now is the time to get ready for the storm. Here are a few simple things you can do to get your vehicles and home ready:

• Check the roads and take your time. Know before you go this winter season with the 511 Wisconsin Traveler Information System. By downloading the free 511 Wisconsin Smartphone app, following @511WI on Twitter, or visiting www.511wi.gov you can check road conditions, travel times and traffic cameras. Make sure you plan extra time if you travel and slow down.

• Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, blanket, extra hats and gloves, first aid kit and booster cables. Also have a shovel and a bag of kitty litter to use in case you get stuck in the snow. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter. You can find more tip kits on http://readywisconsin.wi.gov

• Get supplies for your home. In case there is a power outage, keep your home emergency kit stocked with food that doesn’t need to be heated. Also have bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries and a radio to listen to emergency information. For a complete list of kit items go to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp

• Stay informed. ReadyWisconsin will keep the public posted on any emergencies that occur during the storm. Follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin) for updates.