Naperville shoppers rush to beat the worst of the winter storm
NAPERVILLE, Ill. (CBS) -- A blanket of snow didn't keep holiday shoppers from heading out in Naperville on Thursday ahead of the worst of the pre-Christmas winter storm.
Naperville officials said road crews were out from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to treat the roads and make sure streets were clear.
CBS 2's Sara Machi talked to people about their plans to get in the stores before strong winds and bitter cold make for even more treacherous conditions.
People weren't exactly happy to be shopping in this weather, but wanted to plan ahead for what's still to come.
Shoppers were keeping their heads down even as their hands were full while hustling to finish up their errands before the temperatures plummet and the winds pick up.
The roads were a particular concern, as were the sidewalks.
"You do what you need to do. I think the bigger issue is that we are supposed to be downtown today for 'The Nutcracker.' I don't think I'm going to talk my husband into driving, that's for sure," said shopper Susan Lindquist.
Meanwhile, the volume of shoppers remained consistent even as the elements picked up. Sharon Leger had to go back out shopping to make sure the kids in her life all got an equal share of gifts.
"I mis-planned. It was uneven at my house, so I had to go to run out and get one child a couple more things. But I actually think this is actually really Christmasy and wonderful – so I'm actually liking the snow and the weather," Leger said. "I'm happy for it, and I think it'll be gone by Friday and we can all go back out Saturday morning."
Granted, Leger was out before the temperature plummeted Thursday evening. But Machi said Naperville was still beautiful even in the bitter cold – especially with lights decorating the trees downtown.
