Amid holiday travel nightmare, valley residents won’t let storm dampen Thanksgiving plans

A major winter storm is making for a travel nightmare across the southland. While some travelers are trying to beat the heaviest of the rain coming Thursday, other valley residents are staying put – and say they won't let the storm dampen their plans.

"I'm getting ready to make shrimp cocktail and realized I didn't have any horseradish sauce, so here I am buying horseradish sauce," said Kathie Hart outside a Cathedral City grocery store.

Wednesday night she was finishing up some last minute grocery shopping – but for some, there's still time to spare.

"You're cutting it a little close," News Channel 3's Jake Ingrassia said to another grocery shopper, Cyrus Chavez.

"A little bit, just a little bit but it's not too bad," Chavez said. "(Thanksgiving) is tomorrow – most people wait until tomorrow anyway so it's okay."

This as a major winter storm front moves into the valley, bringing rain and wind, all on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

But some people we spoke to weren't against a wet Thanksgiving.

"It's something different," Chavez said. "Maybe it's what we need, a nice little rain on Thanksgiving. Everyone stays in anyway; everyone's warm indoors."

"I think it's wonderful," Hart said. "We need the rainfall, and it will feel like winter for once."

As traffic started to build Wednesday evening, some people said they were looking forward to just staying home.

"If we are kept inside, we will stay comfy with family," said Gabriel Rodriguez. "That's what's most important."

"No traveling, luckily not this year," Chavez said, wishing speedy and safe travels to those who may need it. "Hopefully they make it to their families soon, but I know it's going to take at least a few hours to get to there."

You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.