How much snow in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware this weekend? Live updates on forecast
Residents across South Jersey are preparing for another round of snow, but some are finding it harder to get the supplies they need after stores ran low during recent storms.
Hardware stores that typically keep rock salt and ice melt in stock are now facing shortages, leaving customers hoping to secure what remains before the next storm arrives.
Eric Davies, of Cherry Hill, was among those trying to prepare ahead of the weekend.
“Very sick of it, ready for spring, that first nice day of being able to open the windows and get some fresh air in the house,” said Davies.
Whether frustrated or determined, many residents say they are bracing for the possibility of several inches of snow.
Preps underway for weekend snowstorm
After seeing the forecast, Deanna Francesconi went to Westmont Ace Hardware in Haddon Township to make sure she was prepared.
“I said to him , ‘We’re gonna go today because the closer it gets to Sunday, the more they won’t have any more salt,'” she said.
Westmont Ace Hardware owner Bill Getzinger said demand has surged as customers try to avoid being caught off guard.
“People are starting to panic a little bit. The people that got shut out during the last storm, making sure they have their shovel, they have their salt, and are ready to go.”
Despite having one pallet of ice melt left, Getzinger said supplies are dwindling quickly. By Friday night, they were completely sold out.
Meanwhile, Cartun Hardware in Camden has already run out of salt entirely.
Owner David Garrison said supply chain issues have made it difficult to restock.
He said his supplier has struggled to meet demand after an unusually harsh winter.
“Early January, we got notice that 22 of the 25 different brands of salt were out for the season. Right now, there’s no calcium, no blends, no pet safe available from the suppliers,” he said
He said the shortage has left customers frustrated and forced some to look for alternatives.
“Everyone’s coming in saying, ‘ Can I have salt, can I get salt?'” said Garrison.
Garrison said his store has sold far more salt this year than in previous winters.
“This year we’ve gone through about 19 tons of rock salt. Last year we went through about 6 tons, and the year prior to that we sold two bags,” Garrison said
He added that even shipments expected last week failed to arrive.
“We have four skids on order, but they’re scheduled for delivery last week,” he added. “Did not come in.”
The demand has also led customers to purchase different tools to deal with the ice.
“We’ve sold out of our entire spring order of garden shovels in order to get through the ice and bricks that are out there,” said Garrison.
