How the coming storm will impact weekend plans

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - This storm is coming just as the weekend begins for many businesses in the Five College Area.  And come Friday night, forecasters say snow and periods of howling winds will be the only things moving around Main Street in Northampton or Rt. 9 in Hadley. 

“With the storm coming I plan on staying in I don't think I'm going to be doing much. Hopefully if it tapers off in the morning I'll try to head to the mountains,” said Tariq Sheikh of Longmeadow.

Friday's storm is stalling weekend plans for many; including Jen Sweitzer who moved to Easthampton from Virginia two weeks ago.

“My dad called me yesterday to ask if we were ready.  We've already gone grocery shopping and we'll probably be home with our dogs. But we're walking distance in Easthampton so we might get out if we get a little bored,” said Sweitzer on Main Street Thursday afternoon. 

And if you're planning a night out on the town, you may have some trouble finding open businesses.  Northampton's Pearl Street Nightclub has already postponed Friday and Saturday night shows. And Zoe's Fish House in Hadley will close after lunch on Friday, “just for the safety of our employees and guests,” said owner Jim Sands. 

Sands says his restaurant is bustling with guests on weekend nights.  But last year's October storm kept the burners off for two days. 

He says the storm's aftermath this time around will affect more than daily sales.

“I'm not going to be able to get cod or haddock or lobsters or maybe even clams. It's seriously going to affect the price, the fishermen just won't go out,” said Sands inside his kitchen. 

But with Valentine's Day next weekend there's hope for a rebound in business.  “It's our saving grace, that next week is Valentine's week because it's usually the busiest week of the year for us,” Sands said. 

If you have tickets for shows at the Pearl Street Nightclub Friday night or Saturday night; club promoters say hang on to them.  New show dates will be announced soon. Zoe's Fish House plans open for lunch on Friday.  After that, they don't plan on re-opening until at least Saturday afternoon.