Shopping frenzy as blizzard approaches the area

HAVERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- As the first major snowstorm of the season approached, it was a shopping frenzy at stores like the Giant in Havertown.

"At this store they're just buying everything. Normally it's just batteries milk, juice and eggs. For this storm, everything they can grab, they're grabbing.

Customers are filling baskets with the necessities and, of course, snacks.

"My essentials are - and you're going to laugh - are milk, which is obvious, cheese curls for my pit bull Pepper Ann, she loves these," said Alexdra DeMuth or Ardmore.

"I just want to be comfortable. If I can't come out the house, I want to make sure I have something to keep me there," said Isacc Waters of Bryn Mawr.

Food is not the only priority. Long lines at gas stations are also a common site ahead of the storm.

"Listen, it is wise to top off your tank, you never know what's going to happen, so that's what I did," said Jerome Wilkerson of Overbrook.

Meanwhile, RJ Power Equipment has been flooded with customers needing snowblower repairs - or buying new ones.

"It's been non-stop," said Bob Jones of RJ Power Equipment in Havertown, Pa. "People are on it today."

Workers at RJ's said business has been booming for the last couple of days.

"Everybody waited until the last minute," said Jones.

Lindsey Wilkinson of Haverford said there was no way she would be caught without a working snow blower after the storm hits.

Salt and shovels are always essential for dealing with the snow. And with hours to go before the snow was expected, we found people at Orner's Garden Center loading their cars in preparation.

"I was just at RJ's," said Dennis Piertti of Wynnewood. "Bought $90 worth of salt."