Video: Area Grocery Stores Prepare for Onslaught of Customers Ahead of Winter Weather

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) -As a light rain was falling outside, Saundra Hankins was on a mission inside Palmer’s Supermarket.

“I’ve bought meat, fixing to get bread and milk, getting ready for this cold, snowy weather, hope we get it.”

Anytime there is the threat of snow or ice, Damon Palmer says shoppers make a mad dash for the essentials.

Palmer’s expects to bring in extra help for the next two days.

“We’re going to bring in some more employees, to help people get out and get through, for sure.”

While the boost in business is welcomed, it can mean a shortage of certain items after the rush.

“It’s a madhouse, they’re running over there to get their eggs, and milk and bread, course you’re really busy, but for the week following that, everybody already has got everything they need, so it really slows down a lot, so it probably evens out overall.”

Sonya Pounds made a trip to Palmer’s from her Plantersville home to stock up on groceries in case her kids get a snow day.

“They say the weather is supposed to be bad tomorrow and I know the buses won’t be able to drive over the bridges, so I am buying enough just in case.”

Pounds wanted to make it to the store early, before any essential items were gone. She says even if the weather does not take a turn for the worse, this trip is not in vain.

“Well, we’ll have a lot of groceries for the rest of the month, and that’s fine with me.”

Buddy Palmer, who opened Palmer’s in the Fifties, says the tendency of shoppers to rush the store whenever severe weather is forecast is a Southern phenomenon.