With weather forecasters predicting a winter storm today capable of dropping up to eight inches of snow on the Golden Triangle, shoppers flooded local stores Saturday to pick up last-minute provisions.
At Kroger, every register was open Saturday afternoon as lines backed up into the aisles. At Walmart next door, shoppers experienced much of the same.
Susan Edmonds, of Artesia, was one of the many customers who braved the crowds at Kroger. Edmonds was skeptical of weather reports, but went to Kroger to pick up medicine, bottled water, juice, milk, cereal and other items just in case, she said.
“I”ll have to see it to believe it,” Edmonds said of the prospective snowfall, “but I”m not taking any chances.”
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch through tonight for Lowndes, Clay and Oktibbeha counties. Precipitation is expected to spread across the region from the southwest to the northeast this morning and continue into the evening.
The main impact of the storm is expected in areas along and north of a line between Bastrop, La., and Macon. Snow, possibly mixed with a little sleet or freezing rain, is expected. Forecasters are calling for 4- to 8 inches of snow.
Further south, along the Interstate 20 corridor of Northeast Louisiana and Central Mississippi, a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected. Up to four inches of snow and sleet could fall in that region, with some potential for glazing.
Columbus resident Sammy Carroll also made the trip to Kroger Saturday to pick up water, fruit and other items.
“We”re just getting a few things in case we”re snowed in,” Carroll said.
Walmart manager Ernest Robinson is accustomed to seeing customers pack the store on Highway 45 every weekend. But yesterday, he expected sales to far exceed a typical Saturday.
Robinson watched as customers lined up with carts full of water, milk, bread and heaters. Flashlights, batters and firewood also were popular items.
“This will be a big Saturday,” Robinson said.
Boyce Frye, of Columbus, was in Walmart to do his regular grocery shopping, but arrived to find his fellow Friendly City residents clearing the shelves.
Frye lived in Colorado for 17 years and is used to harsh winter weather. If the area does get hit with a storm today, Frye said he hopes Golden Triangle residents “take their time” when driving on snow-covered roads.
“Bring on the snow,” Frye said. “That”s fine. I just hope we don”t get a lot of ice.”
Local school districts are also watching the weather for possible school closures Monday, though no decisions have been made. Starkville School District Superintendent Judy Couey said she will be monitoring the weather and precipitation forecasts throughout the day today. The district hopes to update parents this evening, and should make a decision on school delays or cancellations by tonight or early Monday morning, Couey said.
“We”re going to be watching the weather very closely,” Couey said.
HOW TO PREPARE
Four-County Electric Power Association, which said it was on alert for any outages due to snow or ice, offered the following tips to prepare for the storm:
· Stock up on non-perishable food, medicine, baby supplies and pet food.
· Purchase bottled water; one gallon of water per person per day.
· Gather emergency supplies, such as flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords and purchase extra batteries.
· Monitor official weather bulletins.
· Keep extra cash on hand.
· If a family member uses life-sustaining medical equipment, develop an emergency plan for generating power or make plans for relocation in the event that severe weather occurs.
· Do not connect a generator directly to your home”s electrical system. It is dangerous to you, your neighbors and line workers who may be attempting to restore your power.
· Stay away from downed power lines.
In the event of outages to the 4-County system, call 1-800-431-1544.
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