There is a sure sign that winter is on it’s way and the cold weather and snow will be here soon. Across Western New York, the stores are stocking up with a few items that you could hardly find this past winter and early spring. Do you recall the ice that we dealt with and the shortages that coincided with it this pasty winter? Now is the time to get ready.
The fall has been pretty amazing. Football fans have been treated to great weather for the Buffalo Bills home games so far with no rain and warm temperatures for each game so far. But we grew up here and we know that Lake Erie can churn up a quick snowstorm at any moment and we are in the window for that to happen.
I noticed that at least one store in Hamburg has received a large shipment of winter related products and it was hard walk past them without grabbing one or two.
The forecast is not calling for any lake effect snow…just yet. However, we did just pass the 19th anniversary of the October Surprise Storm and all it takes is a cold air mass to move over the lakes and we are shoveling!
Two Items To Buy Now In Western New York
As we wait for the cold air to get here, and see the Christmas decorations go on sale in stores, now is the time to buy at least two items you will need to face and fight the snow and ice.
Photo by: Clay Moden
Photo by: Clay ModenSnow Melt/Rock Salt
It was nearly impossible to find anything that would melt the ice in your driveway last winter. Even the local towns and villages, and even the County, ran out of salt for roads! Ace in Hamburg has pallets full and ready to be sold. Buy them now and store them properly, and you should be good to go when you need it. Some people use only pet/eco friendly ice melt and it may be available in certain stores already.
Photo by: Clay Moden
Photo by: Clay ModenTube Sand
This one is so important for those who are looking to add some weight to their vehicle to help with traction. Pickup truck owners typically use them over the back wheels in the bed of the truck to add some stability on the icy roads. I have used these in the past and when the spring arrives, I use the sand for fill in places around the yard. The do make a difference but they also take up space in the bed as well.
Winter will be here soon. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!