SPOKANE, Wash. — Overnight snow hit the Inland Northwest, creating slick roads and sending drivers rushing to tire shops for winter tires they should have installed weeks ago.

Tire shops reported overwhelming demand, with some telling customers they face more than a day's wait for installation.

"How's it been? Chaos," said Corey Murphy, owner of North Spokane Perfection Tire.

Murphy's shop expected to change tires on over 60 cars by day's end. The rush came after weeks of mild temperatures that made many people forget about winter preparations.

"A lot of people, it wasn't on their mind until we got the cold. And usually that happens weeks ago. So it's very condensed. It's very chaotic in that sense," Murphy said.

The sudden demand is hurting inventory despite constant tire shipments.

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