BETHESDA, Md. — As a winter storm moved closer to the region, the possible arrival of snow brought crowds of people out to hardware and grocery stores on Sunday to prepare for the cold conditions.
At Strosniders Hardware in Bethesda, a line of customers remained steady for much of the evening.
Manager Kenneth Shortall told WUSA 9 that snow shovels, ice melt, and sleds were top sellers.
"It’s been pretty busy all day. We thought we’d have a nice quiet day after Christmas and New Year's but it’s been rather busy," he said. "I’ve seen a lot of families coming in and buying sleds so I’m sure they’re excited.”
Just down the street, cars waited to fill up with gas at a nearby Liberty station.
Cheri Meadows brought her family and filled their van with fuel as her son and husband went off to buy dog food and ice melt.
Meadows, who is originally from Chicago, said she welcomed the arrival of snow but knew the importance of preparing for the wintry conditions.
"You should have your tank full. You should have your milk around here. You should have your windows clean and plenty of window wiper fluid," she said. "Snow is great and I know the kids love it.”
For others, the arrival of a winter storm brought a chance for their children to see snow for the very first time.
One mother came with her son to Strosniders on Sunday and bought his first sled in preparation for a possible fun snow day.
Another customer bought a snow shovel at the behest of his wife and said he would be ready to deal with the conditions.
"It’s just one thing to get prepared for," said Mahmoud Bah. "This happens every season. We rush to get all the tools and we see what comes out.”