Preparing For A Winter Storm - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

This is really the first big winter storm that has hit the state in the past two years.

We all remember the mild weather we experienced last winter, with temperatures in January in the 50's!

This storm however, is much different, most of the state is expected to get a fresh coat of snow.

The Bismarck Public Works Department is busy today, making sure streets are sanded, until the snow starts to accumulate.

"We're just sanding streets right now, when we get kind of rule of thumb is three inches we start plowing snow," Rob Snider said.

Snider says drivers need to be careful, because it's been a while since a storm like this has hit the state.

"Last year was a pretty mild year so it's been two years since we've had weather like this, so yeah they forget."

While street crews are busy on the roads, shoppers are busy stocking up.

"We did our shopping yesterday but there's a couple of things I'm having hot dogs tonight so I had to get the buns," David Garner said.

"Well I'm going to get milk, and the basics to get us through and I like my cranberry juice so gotta get that, so yes just food," Donna Houn said.

Donna Houn lives in Menoken, she's making sure she doesn't go hungry this weekend.

"I just got off work and I want to get a few groceries before the storm kicks in because I do live 50 miles out of town," Houn said.

Because once the storm hits, these shoppers won't be leaving the house.

"I'm going to get in my lazy boy and turn on the TV and eat my hot dogs," Garner said.