WSET.com - ABC13Stores Waiting for Winter Rush

Reporter: Rachel Schaerr | Videographer: Steven Smith 

Lynchburg, VA – It's the calm before the storm inside grocery and hardware stores Friday as many people prepare for our first potential snowstorm of the season.

Not many people are confident we'll actually see snow and say it's hard to stock up on any of the essentials in the warm weather we've had. In fact, not many people were picking up water, shovels or firewood. But this weekend that's almost sure to change.

The salt bags are waiting, and the owner of Lynchburg's True Value is hoping this weekend aisle four, where they sell shovels, will finally see some traffic.

"A lot of people are talking about it, but it looks like they're going to wait and see what actually materializes," said Chuck Overstreet from True Value Hardware.

Stocking up has gotten a slow start at the local Kroger too.

"They've mentioned may snow, might snow. But it still ain't got it in their head that it's comin' yet," said Mike Blanks, manager of Kroger.

"I always prepare for anything to come. But I'm not preparing for a snow storm," said Gail DeNoon, a shopper.

If the storm does come, you don't need a meteorology degree to forecast what's likely to fly off the shelves.

"Pizzas are really hot. Cake mixes do pretty good. Some adult beverages every now and then," said Blanks.

"Beef jerky, lots of protein," said Shawn Littell, a customer.

All Stephany Spicer needs is hot chocolate, cat litter and a little bit of ABC 13 Meteorologist Matt Ferguson to get her through whatever winter weather comes our way.

"He ain't been wrong yet. That's my buddy. He's normally right," said Stephany Spicer.