Philadelphia region digging out from winter storm | Live Updates

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.

When Philadelphia issues a snow emergency, major roads that are designated as snow routes will restrict parking.

There are 110 miles of snow emergency routes in Philadelphia. Snow emergency routes are marked with large red signs reading "Snow Emergency Route" in white letters.

Car owners must move their vehicles along these routes once a snow emergency is declared. Your car could be ticketed or towed if you don't move it.

If your vehicle has been towed from a snow emergency route, call (215) 686-SNOW (7669) and press option four. Do not call 911.

READ MORE: Philadelphia braces for major winter storm

Be prepared to provide information that will help identify your vehicle.

Click here to view a full list of snow emergency routes.

When restrictions take effect, the city will open parking garages so people can park for $5.

Meter parking will also be relaxed during the emergency. Officials will only enforce safety violations.