Grocery stores were the most obvious target for many patrons preparing for the worst. Parking lots swelled throughout the weekend as customers stocked up on necessities.
The West Avenue Ingles set record sales on both Friday and Saturday as a menacing storm was being forecasted.
"We topped record sales for two days in a row. We did more in those two days than at Thanksgiving or Christmas," said Charity Brown, customer service manager.
With essentials such as milk, bread and eggs high on the list for disaster readiness, Brown said that regular deliveries had to be made to keep pace with demand.
"We had bread vendors come in four or five times a day, and we bought produce from a farmer's market just to have it on hand," she said.
Also setting a record for sales was restaurateur Mark Mathison, owner of Slope's BBQ. Making the most of the opportunity at hand, Slope's hosted winter weather specials for call-in orders over the weekend and had success with those preparing for the coming snow.
"I had a lot of bulk orders yesterday. We had a big weekend. ... Yesterday was my best Sunday ever," Mathison said. "It was one of two things, they either were stocking up or they knew it could be their last meal out for a couple of days."
Mathison returned to his place of business on Monday, not expecting a crowd but waiting to serve those in need of a hot meal. Having spoken to utility and road crews, Mathison knew that in the past food choices had been sparse, which inspired him to remain open in the snow.
"I have been working with Georgia Power knowing that it was coming," he said. "I doubt there will be much walk-in business today, but I wanted to be here for our emergency responders. They take care of us so I want to take care of them."
Beyond food sales, hardware stores were also the target of many concerned residents. Liquid propane and de-icing salt were in high demand throughout the weekend even leading to shortages at some stores. Henry Floyd of Ladd's Farm Supply even opened on Sunday, typically a day off, just to meet the demand.
Jimmy Morris manned the store Monday for those that ventured out.
"We had so many people wanting to buy LP gas for emergency use that they decided to open yesterday," Morris said. "We've already had several customers [Monday] but not like normal."