Springfield, Mo. -- There were long lines at grocery and hardware stores throughout the day Wednesday as people made the mad dash around town to gather up enough supplies to last them for at least a couple days.
"It's typically the ice that draws business in due to the ice storm back in 2007 when a lot of people were without power," said Dan Grider of Harter House on Eastgate in Springfield.
That storm left thousands without power for days even weeks, and now many Ozarkers know what it's like to do without.
"Just stocking up. Got some charcoal, so we can cook on the grill in case power goes out," said Michele Ballard, who lives in a rural area outside Springfield.
This time people are making sure they have enough for themselves and their neighbors. Harter House was just one of the stores ready for huge influx.
"We ordered extra ice, milk, water, other nonperishable items," Grider said.
"We watch the forecast like a hawk this time of the year and just try to prepare for it," he said.
Some top-selling items across town Wednesday included ice melt and rock salt.
"We have folks coming in buying tube sand, ice melter, scrapers, and a few sleds have been sold," said Bob Bowman of Westlake Ace Hardware on South Campbell.
Customers poured into the hardware store Wednesday to load up on sand.
"Everybody's got a diff story as what is going to happen, but they are not quite as concerned like they were in 2007," Bowman said.
The lines at many gas stations also remained steady as people pulled in to fill up their tanks in preparation for the next few days.
Most stores had the weather-related items displayed front and center for customers to grab Wednesday. They said even though business was very steady, it will likely be very slow the rest of the week.
