Glastonbury hardware store sees rush ahead of weekend storm

GLASTONBURY, Conn. (WFSB) - With winds picking up ahead of the season’s first major storm, residents are stocking up on emergency supplies at a local hardware store.

Bob Krieger, owner of Katz Hardware in Glastonbury, has been through a number of nor’easters and said he has also seen the last-minute rush to his store.

“Everybody kind of waits and waits and waits and, like, oh, it’s going to go off to the shore, but it’s not going to this time. So be prepared,” Krieger said.

Flooding is mainly a concern closer to the coast, though the storm could touch all corners of the state. The First Alert Weather Team anticipates rounds of heavy rain and gusts more than 40 miles per hour.

No matter where residents live in Connecticut, they are likely to be affected by the storm this weekend. Residents should prepare by checking their gutters and sump pumps and making sure they have enough emergency supplies.

Krieger said the biggest impact could be power outages.

“All the leaves are on the trees right now, and the wind’s going to be howling. And I think we will have power outages just because the trees are coming down,” Krieger said.

Krieger recommends having gas for generators and batteries for lights and other electronics ready. People should also check that they are stocked up on smaller items before they are needed.

“It may not be tonight, but by tomorrow I think the storm is really, really ramping up. You don’t want to be caught with your pants down,” Krieger said.

Krieger said that once the wind and rain pass, the store will have what customers need to clean up.