Businesses reopen for snowbound customers

Robin Hannon, manager of Great Outdoor Provision Company at Cameron Village in Raleigh, said some of his employees can walk to the store, which made the decision to open easier, and he didn't worry there wouldn't be enough business to make it worthwhile.

"There are enough people who will get here to our store to shop. We'd like to be open for them," Hannon said, noting the store did a brisk business selling hats and gloves for the cold weather.

Judi and James Sierra were shopping with their dog, Cocoa, which needed a walk after two days of snow and ice.

"When she gets bored, she gets naughty. So, we don't want that," Judi Sierra said.

Another big draw was the Cameron Village Library, which brought out Amy and Tim Martin and their sons, Jasper and Linden.

"I think we've been sledding for 48 hours straight, so we're ready for something a little different," Tim Martin said.

The library had been closed since Saturday, and manager Megan Roberts said people were waiting in line when the branch opened its doors.

"We know we have a lot of community members who wanted to get out, people with kids who are a little stir crazy," Roberts said. "We also have people who don't have Internet at their own homes or have nowhere to be when it's cold, so we want to be open if we're at all able to."

Gaston Williams said he was ready to be out and about after a weekend on the couch. He went to to the library to do some research for a friend.

"I drove carefully, and if you're smart and don't go down too many side roads and drive slowly, you should be OK," Williams said.

Most of the businesses closed early, with managers saying they want their customers and employees to get home safely.