Winter storm's impact on business and markets could last 'well past the weekend': G2 Weather's Walsh

Summary

Paul Walsh of G2 Weather Intelligence joins Fast Money to discuss a major winter storm and cold snap. He expects the storm to shut down consumer activity across the South and Northeast, hurting Q4 retail sales and creating downside earnings risk for retailers. He highlights Home Depot's greater exposure through its pro construction business and warns that Gap and Ross Stores may have pulled Q4 demand into Q3.

• A winter hurricane with ice and heavy snow is expected across the South and Northeast.
• The storm is expected to close stores and sharply reduce weekend consumer activity.
• Paul Walsh sees a chunk of Q4 retail sales at risk and possible downside earnings surprises.
• Home Depot is more exposed because its pro construction business could be disrupted.
• Home centers and grocers may see pre-storm demand, but closures offset the benefit.
• Gap and Ross Stores' Q3 upside may have borrowed from Q4 demand due colder October weather.
• The host pushes back that weather impacts may be short-term and should be looked past.