Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rochesterians Brave the Winter Weather Downtown

Despite heavy snowfall, many people were out and about in Downtown Rochester this morning. Whether they were running errands or headed to work, all of the brave folks were bundled up and braced for severe weather.

Claude Toppi says he's used to it by now.

"I'm a courier so I'm out here all the time so it's -- it doesn't bother me at all. I think it's fine."

Claude doesn't really understand what all the fuss is about.

"You know, when you live here almost your whole life, what's the difference? It's a little bit of snow."

How someone felt about the snow seemed to be directly related to how much clothing that person was wearing. For example, one Rochester native, José, was completely covered but for his eyes.

"I love this kind of weather, right here, but it's actually kind of snowing. Came over night unexpectedly."

José was wearing a face mask that wrapped his entire face -- from the tip of his nose all the way down to his neck. He says he bought it a few months ago, and it makes all the difference during winter weather.

"It keeps me nice and warm -- definitely warm."

Plenty of people with lighter parkas and exposed skin on their hands and faces were hesitant to take a few minutes to tell me their thoughts on the blustery conditions. Instead, they rushed by, headed for some place warm.

Francesca Diner works at the Tim Hortons on the corner of Main Street and Exchange Boulevard. She says she'd been seeing people come in and out all day, cold and seeking refuge from the snow.

"Everyone has been coming in here to get something nice and warm to drink."

Francesca didn't appear to be concerned about how the snow would affect her own commute. She says she takes the bus, and thinks it's even safer than driving your own car in this wintery weather.

Veronica Volk is a senior editor and producer for WXXI News.