Winter weather items in short supply at local stores

SPOKANE, Wash. — De-icer and sleds were hard to come by in Spokane on Monday. Most stores have already sold out, forcing families to get creative.

About two dozen city crews are helping clear the roads for drivers as temperatures continue to drop this week.

Chances are if you are looking for de-icer, you may have a tough time finding it.

“Everything is about ice melt today,” said Jon Evans, General Manager of the General Store. “With winter stuff, that’s all we have left. No sleds, no snowboots! All our stuff is gone.”

Some people are finding alternatives for de-icers.

“They recommend cat litter for traction,” said shopper David Ainley. “I was glad I was able to get a shovel today.”

“Snow boots have been pretty limited for about a month now,” said Evans. “There’s hardly anything left. People put a lot of stuff off until last minute.”

About two dozen city crews are helping clear the roads for drivers as sub-zero temperatures hit the Inland Northwest this week, which means more trouble on the roads.

“The conditions are really cold,” said Julie Happy, Communications Manager for Neighborhood and Business Services. “People should slow down. [Crews] are working on getting icy spots sanded.”

The city has more than 20 trucks out plowing and sanding the roads all day and night.

“We’re just plowing curb to curb on those arterials, hill routes, emergency and STA bus routes,” said Happy. “We’re getting ready for freezing temperatures, cleaning up the roads.”

Crews will continue to plow curb to curb. Until then, it’s best to stay inside if you can.

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