Philadelphia region digging out from winter storm | Live Updates

If you have travel plans this weekend, travel experts advise considering making a change right now.

With snow and ice expected to hit a big swath of the country, many flight cancellations and delays are expected.

The storm will have a ripple effect and many airlines are already offering travel waivers to many customers, including American, which has a hub at PHL.

"It's likely going to affect an estimated 225 million people," said Katy Nastro with Going.

Travelers urged to rebook ahead of winter storm

American Airlines' customers, scheduled to fly through more than 30 airports Friday through Sunday, can rebook without a change fee or penalty, or cancel their flights for a refund or credit to use within a year.

Delta Air Lines has also waived rebooking fees, allowing passengers to rebook their flights at no additional cost.

United has issued travel waivers for cities expected to be affected, allowing those who bought tickets on or before Tuesday to rebook without a fee if their travel is affected.

Southwest said it's monitoring the weather and will issue any advisories or make any changes as needed.

Airlines are not required to provide compensation for any costs you incur, since weather-related issues are outside of their control.

And if you have travel insurance, read the fine print. Some do travel despite weather-related disruptions, others don't. And some credit cards do offer protection as well.

"Where they're going to cover you for a hotel night stay or food or, you know, sort of those unexpected expenses," said Nastro. "So trip disruption is sort of the terminology that you want travelers to look at."

If you do find yourself caught up in travel chaos this weekend, watch out for scammers looking to capitalize.

When you're on the go, keep your data secure by using cellular data and avoiding public Wi-Fi, or at least adding a layer of security like a VPN.

Also, be aware of criminals masquerading as airlines, texting you bogus "priority rebooking" or other phishing links.

"So if you get these kind of text messages or emails, you should first make sure that it is the legitimate sender," said Matas Cenys with NordVPN.

It's best to go directly to the airline's app, which you should download before heading to the airport.

In fact, you should download the apps for all possible airlines, in case you do get stuck and need to find a new flight quickly.

PECO is urging consumers to stay ready ahead of the impending snowstorm this weekend.

PECO says it has proactively increased staffing to ensure crews are available to respond to any power outages as quickly and safely as possible.

The company offered these tips to stay storm-ready:

• Charge cell phones and mobile devices before storms hit.

• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.

• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.

• Regularly check weather information so you're aware of conditions.

• Stay away from downed power lines and electric equipment - always assume it is energized.

• Keep exhaust vents for natural gas appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces clear of snow and ice to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide.

• Keep natural gas meters clear of snow and ice by using a broom or brush to gently clear the area around the meter.

How to report an outage

Customers experiencing issues with their electric or natural gas services should contact PECO at 1-800-841-4141.

Customers can also report issues at peco.com/outages.

Customers can visit peco.com/Alerts to choose how to receive information - via text, email or phone - including when power is out in their area, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored.

Shoppers crowded grocery stores across the Philadelphia area Thursday, racing to stock up on essentials ahead of an approaching winter storm.

Shoppers crowded grocery stores across the Philadelphia area Thursday, racing to stock up on essentials ahead of an approaching winter storm.

At Wegmans in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, long checkout lines and packed aisles reflected what many customers described as a last-minute rush to prepare.

"I have my list, just like Santa - check it twice and keep moving," said Gerard Dugan of Tabernacle, New Jersey.

In their efforts to beat the storm, many shoppers didn't bear the heavy crowds.

"It was very hectic, lots and lots of lines, lots of people, craziness, carts banging," Dugan said.

Grocery store parking lots resembled a holiday rush as shoppers loaded up on groceries.

"Chaos. Chaos. Be ready to dodge the carts if you're coming out," said Liz Graziano of Philadelphia.

Kathy Stevenson of Haddon Township said she was surprised by how busy stores were.

"Phew, it is packed. I usually come on Thursdays and it's not this packed," Stevenson said.

Many shoppers said they planned to stay home once the storm arrived.

"Stay in, nice and warm. Watch the TV. Watch football," said Joann Kondriski of Collingswood, New Jersey.

Others shared similar plans.

"In bed watching my soap operas," said Barbara Katz of Cherry Hill.

Parents said they were especially focused on making sure they had enough supplies.

"I am very worried. I'm stocked up, I've got my deep freezer ready to go, I have two little kids, so we have to have all the essentials on hand," Graziano said.

At Rastelli Market Fresh in Marlton, store management said the surge in shoppers rivaled major holidays.

Chris Mentzer, director of operations, said business had jumped significantly as the storm approached.

"We saw about a 25% increase yesterday, will probably see about a 60 to 70% increase today. It'll increase Friday and Saturday - it's gonna be like Christmas time here," Mentzer said.

He added that shelves are being restocked nightly to keep up with demand. One item, however, has already sold out.

Ice melt ran out Thursday, though store officials said a new shipment is expected to arrive later in the evening.

People across the Philadelphia region are stocking up on snow supplies, though some have found that salt and shovels appear to be in short supply.

People across the Philadelphia region are stocking up on snow supplies ahead of the weekend storm, though some have found that salt and shovels appear to be in short supply.

Hundreds of people waited for hours outside a Lowe's on Township Line Road in Havertown, hoping to buy salt.

The line stretched down the block as customers sought calcium chloride delivered to the store earlier in the day. Among them was Mike White of Overbrook Park.

"I just put my head down. I'm ashamed that I'm in this line. I'm embarrassed," White said.

White and about 450 others were ultimately successful. The store received a shipment of calcium chloride in the morning, drawing people from across the area.

Jackie Wiggins of West Philadelphia said she arrived well before sunrise.

"I came here at 6 o'clock this morning, they said it was gonna be here at 9," Wiggins said.

By 9 a.m., the line had grown significantly. Around 10 a.m., the store began selling a more expensive type of salt at $25 a bag, limited to one bag per customer. The supply sold out within an hour.

One customer expressed frustration with the situation, saying, "I'm feeling as though this is the season for that, so you should have overstocked on salt."

Store employees and industry observers said the shortage is the result of supply issues.

"Supply houses, nobody wants to stock anything if it isn't going to move, so here we are," said Chuck, the owner of Burhill True Value Hardware in Drexel Hill.

Burhill True Value Hardware is also out of salt and shovels as well. The owner said demand for salt has not been high in recent years, but with a weekend forecast, winter-related items have been selling quickly.

"A lot of the stuff is finished for the season, so that's another thing that we're up against," Chuck said.

Despite the supply concerns, some people said they're excited about the snow.

"Maybe it's a good way to slow things down, because I think we need to have a moment of quiet. Just to go inside and relax and appreciate nature," Topia Tessema said.