Today is Storm day - likely the first time we’ve said that without brandishing an umbrella. Canadian Smartphone manufacturer Research In Motion will see its first touch screen handset hit Verizon Wireless shelves today and it seems many are eager to get their hands on the device in a timely fashion.

According to InformationWeek’s Eric Zeman, there are lines a plenty at Verizon stores and prospective owners are excited to see if the Storm will live up to the demo video released a while back.

The BlackBerry Storm is the biggest rival for the iPhone to date, thanks in large part to loyal RIM customers. A bold (no pun intended) statement to make before the phone is even released, but the build up to the launch alone has been enough to grant the RIM device second place when it comes to excitement garnered in the run up to the shipping of a smartphone.

Since the release of the first version of Apple’s iPhone, many manufacturers have tried their hand at touch screen devices, some with more success than others. Taking into account the type of reputation the iPhone has built for itself over the last two years, attempting to take on the Apple monster is a huge challenge.

While Verizon’s sales this holiday season will no doubt see a jump thanks to the newest RIM handset, reports of possible Storm shortages over the last week have customers worried they won’t be able to obtain their Storm over the weekend. However, according to Electronista, initial supplies were anticipated as running below demand from the beginning.

Let us know if and when you pick up your Storm. Some of us (ahem) are tied into a contract and feel the need to live vicariously through readers. Sadface.