The snowstorm that dumped 6 to 8 inches around the area Thursday forced many to change their plans.
But it also left many looking to the weekend, when another storm could bring even a heavier dose of the white stuff.
The storm was another in a series in the last couple of weeks that has brought snow and ice to the area from the Southwest, said hydrometeorological technician Mitch Gilt, of the National Weather Service in Binghamton.
Thursday's storm forced an early closure for those schools that were able to open. Even so, Otsego dispatchers said that a Unatego Central school bus skidded off the road shortly after 1 p.m. It was not damaged and was able to get going after assistance from state police in Sidney.
Area dispatchers reported no serious accidents.
Classes starting at 2 p.m. or later were canceled at the State University College at Oneonta because of the weather, according to a news release.
Several municipalities were also affected.
All Delaware County office buildings were closed and a travel advisory was issued because of slippery road conditions, according to a media release Thursday morning from Board of Supervisors Chairman James Eisel.
In the city of Oneonta, vehicles left on the street after a 21/2-inch snowfall may be towed and/or ticketed. Residents must wait until the Department of Public Works has cleared the streets of snow before parking on the streets.
But for some the snow was more of a good thing.
The owners of the Center Street Deli, Frank and Robin Companie, said the storms have been good for business, increasing sales of such items as milk, bread, beer and soda, especially for those who may not want to drive.
Ralph Thomas of Maryland stopped by the store at about 5 p.m. for some coffee. He is a shoveler for United Student Rental and was driving much of the day. Since he has four-wheel drive, he didn't have trouble getting around, but it was slippery, especially in the afternoon, he said.
Mark Vergari, of Oneonta, works at Mold-A-Matic on River Street.
When he saw the weather was getting bad, he went shopping for groceries at lunchtime. He stopped on his way home for some chocolate.
Frank Companie said he would be making sure that the store is properly stocked for the weekend, when Gilt said a storm that is developing in the Southeast could bring even heavier snows to the area.
The storm that is expected to arrive late Saturday or early Sunday should bring more than 7 inches of snow, Gilt said.
It could bring more than a foot depending on how it tracks.
"It's too early to tell," he said.
Walton weather observer Frank Ward said that if the storm stays offshore as it moves along the coast, it will bring heavier snow.
If it tracks inland, however, the amount could be less.
It could bring 30 to 40 mph winds, creating nearly blizzard conditions, depending on the path, Ward said.
This year is shaping up to more or a typical winter than last year, Ward said. Then, he added, there wasn't much snowfall until mid-February.
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Mark Boshnack can be reached at 432-1000 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 218, or at mboshnack@thedailystar.com.
