Christmas Snowstorm Preparations

By Chris Earl, Anchor/Reporter

Tools

By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Dec 21, 2009 at 6:11 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 21, 2009 at 6:11 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - This is already a busy week for many people who've planned holiday trips and family gathering. Combine that with the threat of bad weather, and last minute shoppers, and local shops are booming.

Last weekend, finishing off retail shopping was a real focus for many.

Now with this short week before Christmas Eve on Thursday, and concerns about wet weather, it's a busy time in more places than just the malls.

Whether it's the sound of shoring up a car for a long drive, loading up for this week, even making sure no one falls on the sidewalk - many Eastern Iowa businesses are in the midst of the pre-storm rush.

"We've seen it pick up today. Shovels, sand, ice melt. People at least have been prepared this year," said Sue Snitker, Ace Hardware.

Yet even as prepared as people may be this year, once the snow does hit, more people will slide in for supplies.

Also expect more business to come in for one Cedar Rapids auto repair shop.

"Especially during the storms, it gets busy. Last time it hit, the wreckers came in with crashes, flats and people running into things," said Jeff Hamblin, with Jim's Tune Up.

As Hamblin looks over the garage full of cars and trucks in for those winter appointments, he also wants to remind drivers to make sure that - if the storms are serious this week - to keep those cell phones charges and keep blankets easy to reach just in case.

From topping off fluids to topping off food - workers we spoke with at the Hy-Vee on Wilson Avenue in Cedar Rapids said Monday was busy for a Monday afternoon with people loading up on usual supplies plus items to get through the holiday...

Along with a check on roads and stores- we're following flights at the Eastern Iowa Airport.

Some good news to report-- arrivals and departures to points east of here -- Chicago and Detroit -- are on time or not dramatically delayed.

Next Article White House Revamping Birth Control Policy

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Violent crime, sexual abuse, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.