Local hardware store prepares city for harsh winter weekend

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Temperatures in St. Joseph, Missouri, are expected to reach single-digits, with wind chills in the negatives this weekend.

Residents will be looking to combat the cold elements by bundling up or getting the proper tools to traverse through the weather.

West Lake Ace Hardware, located at 1325 South Belt Highway, is experiencing heavy traffic due to the frigid weather.

Store Operations Manager Thomas Howell gave his best advice for braving the cold.

"Making sure that you're prepared. Having batteries, gloves, hand warmers, we have a large selection of disposable, as well as rechargeable. Ice melt, making sure you keep your sidewalks and everything safe, and you can also keep some of that in your vehicle," said Howell.

Howell also touched on the importance of pipe maintenance. Wrapping pipes with insulation to make sure there is no freezing or cracking is vital when the weather drops below freezing.

If driving, the National Weather Service made a key graphic to highlight the important items for the harsh winter weather, such as a full tank of gas, spare tires and jumper cables.