Preparing as another winter storm approaches

With five to eight inches of snow expected on Wednesday, officials are advising residents to prepare even though this storm isn’t expected to be as rough as the blizzard that hit the region in January.

City of St. Joseph Emergency Manager Bill Lamar shared positives that he saw in response to the big snow storm in the beginning of the year.

“It worked out really well because it was fairly well predicted,” Lamar said. “It actually did impact about the way they were saying it would.”

Just like last time, crews have been out well in advanced pre-treating streets. Lamar reminds residents to have patience as crews will work to clear streets.

Residents that will be driving during the storm are advised to have an emergency kit.

“Anytime you might have a breakdown, might get your car stuck, you will want to have an emergency kit,” Lamar said. “Also have your cell phones charged and ready to go so if you do have to call somebody in a hurry you are not stuck.”

Emergency kits can include a blanket, hats, gloves, bottled water and other necessities. Remembering to have the car filled up with gas beforehand is critical as well.

Shovels and snow scrapers will be needed for this upcoming storm and General Manager at Ace Hardware Greg Eagleburger said “Now is the time to get it.”

“Most retailers probably, once they sell their products for this storm, they are probably not going to be buying it anymore,” Eagleburger said. “Spring goods are coming in, buy now, buy ahead.”

Eagleburger said the last big storm was too deep for sleds and not too many sleds were sold. This upcoming storm is a bit more reasonable and the St. Joseph School District is already out of school on Wednesday for a teacher work day, which could incentivize more sled purchases.

“School is out on Wednesday and if we get snow, kids are going to be looking for something to do,” Eagleburger said.

Temperatures are projected to be well below freezing during the snowfall and Lamar said to be advised of slippery conditions.

“With the cold weather obviously that is going to be impactful,” Lamar said. “Things are going to freeze up that much quicker, things that wouldn’t normally be frozen will be. Take this one serious too.”