Businesses prepare for weekend storm

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - It's another storm on a weekend night which will mean less foot traffic for many restaurants and coffee shops.  But those who decide to stay open cash in.

Two weeks ago a Nor'Easter dumped two feet of snow in places like Northampton, shutting down dozens of businesses and schools. 

“It happened on a Friday so I was just out of school that Friday and the following Monday. I hope there's a lot of snow because hopefully we won't have school,” said Henry Read of Florence.

It's the third storm in just as many weeks.  But this weekend's storm is less of a whopper.  Four to six inches are expected in most of Hampshire County. Meanwhile, hill towns west of Williamsburg could see up to 10 inches.  It'll mean extra cash for clean up crews.

“Usually there's not a lot of sleep involved because we are out at 3 A.M. clearing lines and doing other things. It definitely bumps up business,” said plow driver Fred Lowenthal.

And business owners who decide to keep their doors open also cash in.  “And to be honest the more businesses that close the better for us. Sometimes we are the only one or two businesses in town that are open so we have a great day,” said Black Sheep Owner Nick Seamon.

Seamon says storm conditions do affect travel, especially for employees who rely on the bus. But after the February Nor'Easter he's got a staff on call.

“We know who our staff is who can walk to work, our bakers can get here. We are opening,” said Seamon inside his Main Street shop.

Seamon says the Governor's travel ban kept doors closed for many as employees couldn't get to work.