UTICA - While many prepare for the upcoming storm, homeowners are getting ready to clear their driveways. The recent snowfall, coupled with the anticipation of more, has cash registers at local snowblower retailers ringing up a storm of their own.

Business at Lowe's in North Utica was so good that they had to piece together one of only two snow blowers that they have left in stock
this time last year.

It was a green Christmas, but this year, the white stuff has retailers seeing green - green as in big bucks.

Some say that sales are up 50% or more, and several retailers say that some people may find a one of these machines under the Christmas tree come December 25.

But more and more are coming in ahead of this weekend's expected storm. One customer at Lowe's said they were lucky enough to get one of just a few snowblowers left in stock here. He says a snowblower is the only way to go.

"Versus the old shovel, it is like going from the horse and buggy to the car," said Bill Crane, a homeowner.

If your thinking about stepping into a snowblower purchase this year, expect to pay anywhere from $500 - $2,000.