Philadelphia region digging out from winter storm | Live Updates

With a significant storm expected to hit the region on Sunday, SEPTA is urging riders to prepare for widespread disruptions across the transit system, including the possibility of service shutdowns.

SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said riders should brace for a difficult travel day.

"You're almost certainly going to encounter cancelations, significant delays, and at some point during the day, we're probably going to have to start shutting services down," he said.

SEPTA says to expect major delays, possible shutdowns during storm

Bus service is expected to be the first mode affected as road conditions deteriorate. Regional Rail could follow soon after.

"Regional Rail, you know, those tracks all being out and exposed, there really isn't an effective way to clear that if we're getting rapid accumulation. So at some point, we'll have to make a call, likely to pull those services back as well," Busch said.

SEPTA officials say any suspension of service will be driven by safety concerns for both riders and employees. But the agency is also focused on protecting equipment to ensure a quicker recovery once the storm passes and regular routines resume.

SEPTA says riders who must travel on Sunday should rely on the Broad Street Line or Market-Frankford Line, which are expected to be the most resilient during the storm.

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.