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KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – It was not a typical Friday night in downtown Kingsport, as many businesses decided to close due to the winter storm impacting much of the region.
However, some didn’t let the precipitation get in the way of a night out in the Model City.
“I think the weather is bad for people in some areas, but I think a lot of people may have freaked out,” Southwest Virginia resident Brandon Calton said.
Calton explained that he mainly encountered clear roads while driving across state lines into Tennessee.
“Where we’re from over in the Duffield area and Big Stone Gap area – everything was closed,” he said. “So, we ventured over to Kingsport – try and come out and have a decent night.”
On East Market Street, Robert Brents closed his business, Breaking Tradition, early because of the snow.
“It wasn’t that bad up front,” he explained. “But, as you can see, we’re sending everybody home now.”
He stayed open long enough for some of his regular customers to shoot an extra round or two on the pool tables.
“Just trying to have some fun on a Friday night,” Baileyton resident Ronald Smith said.
Smith wasn’t too worried about the accumulating snow. In fact, the Massachusetts native was starting to feel right at home.
“We get a lot more snow than this,” he said. “But, we also have the equipment to deal with it. Certainly if people feel it’s safer to stay home, then obviously it’s safer to stay home.”
Brents will likely take that approach with his business on Saturday, particularly if the roads remain treacherous.
“I’d rather be safe than make a day, you know what I mean,” he said. “The number one thing is safe.”