Many people remember the huge blizzard that hit Maryland in 2016. Ten years later, a new huge January blizzard was anticipated by a huge region of America. Here in Maryland specifically, people anticipated up to 1-2 feet of snow. Because of this, people were rushing to their local grocery stores to stock up and prepare for said snowstorm. But were people’s preparations too extreme, just right, or not prepared enough?
Professional organizations, like Interfaith Housing (IHA) urge residents to stock up on food, warm blankets and clothes. This is a no-brainer for most people, but they also recommended people maintain a supply of batteries, flashlights, and also medication.
Weis Markets in Brunswick, two days prior to the storm led to long checkout lines and many workers rushing to restock depleting merchandise. Many customers claimed to be in a hurry and making an emergency grocery run.
Employees of Weis Markets in Brunswick were asked how the snowstorm had impacted their store. Most employees said they were running low, or out of most kitchen staples.
A Bakery Department employee said that there have been noticeably higher sales due to the snowstorm.
“Absolutely there’s no question. The rolls, the cookies, The muffins. Just about everything.”
One busy customer was asked how they were preparing for the upcoming snowstorm.
“I would say buying food, that’s it,” one Brunswick mother said. “I have three kids at home so just making sure we have lots of snacks and that type of thing to hold them over after they play in the snow.”
Many people expected to be inside for only a couple days and they prepared for the storm. Many Brunswick residents made guesses on how much snow was going to come and if it would snow all weekend.
“…Maybe like 8-10 inches and a day or two off of school but I’m really not hoping for the whole week [to be off]or anything.”
While people did expect the snow to halt school and work for a couple days, they didn’t expect it to be the whole week. Frederick County Public Schools did close the most of the week of Jan. 26-29 and delayed an opening Friday, Jan. 30.
Those who had four-wheel drive or snow plows had a much more relaxed disposition about the snow storm. Some adults however, did acknowledge that food and supplies would be out of stock soon. A Brunswick citizen elaborated on the importance of four-wheel drive in these storms.
“I have four wheel drive, but usually what happens is it’s all gone if you wait till the snow storm hits.”
The reality of the snow storm when it finally hit Frederick was 9 Inches. Many small businesses in downtown Brunswick, like Ampersand, and Smoketown Brewing Station were closed for days, as well as Fredrick County Public Schools (FCPS) which which used up 5 whole days, pushing the end of school to a later date: June 17, pending more snow days until then.
Many students reported that the below freezing temperatures resulted in iced over roads and sidewalks. Some private parking lots also still remained icy.
Looking back on the events during the snow storm it’s easy to say that some people overreacted due to store shelves emptying.
Some parking lots were never plowed and are still ice currently. Many people’s expectations were underestimated by the upcoming snow storm, due to the fact that they waited until the last minute to bulk buy groceries leaving groceries with no supply of bread, milk, and other essentials.
Ultimately, combined with county city resources, budget restrictions, refreezing temperatures, and the failing to plow some main roads resulted in more days off of school and many people stunned with the latest weather.
Moral being many Brunswikians will need to prep sooner for the next snow storm in Maryland.