Stores across Pennsylvania's midstate region are scrambling to restock shelves as residents prepare for a significant winter storm expected this weekend.

Several grocery chains and hardware stores report dwindling supplies of essential winter items including rock salt, shovels, and snow removal equipment as shoppers rush to prepare for what could be substantial snowfall beginning late Saturday night.

The Giant Company has announced it's moving up store deliveries and increasing capacity for online orders to meet the surge in demand, according to local reports. Other retailers are adding extra staff and requesting emergency shipments of winter weather supplies.

Weather forecasts for the region vary significantly, with predictions ranging from a light dusting to more than a foot of snow across Pennsylvania. AccuWeather currently forecasts 6 to 10 inches for Harrisburg between Saturday and Monday, while other sources suggest potentially higher amounts.

"I continue to urge everybody down in southeastern and south-central Pennsylvania: keep monitoring the forecast as we approach the weekend," said Nicholas Beaty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College.

The shopping pattern mirrors what retailers typically see before winter storms. Wegmans Food Markets representative Marci Rivera notes that shoppers typically focus on what's called the "trinity" of winter storm stockpiling — milk, bread, and eggs — along with batteries, candles, and ice. Tops markets reports similar demand plus increases in pasta, sauce, soup, and canned vegetables.

Beyond food essentials, hardware stores are experiencing shortages of winter weather supplies like rock salt, ice melt, shovels, and fuel as residents prepare for potential power outages and difficult travel conditions.

The National Weather Service predicts a 50% to 80% chance of snow overnight Saturday, increasing to 90% by Sunday. Forecasters expect the snowfall to continue throughout most of Sunday, with specific accumulation predictions still being finalized.

Retailers are taking various measures to prepare, including rescheduling deliveries to arrive before the storm hits, adjusting staffing levels, and deploying generators where needed.

Residents are advised to complete their storm preparations by Saturday afternoon, as road conditions may deteriorate rapidly once the snow begins.

If you have to travel, it's wise to keep vital supplies in our car, including the following items:

Cell phone charger
First aid kit
Jumper cables
Spare tire
Flares
Water and snacks
Mittens, hats, boots, as well as warm clothing
Snow shovel and brush
Blankets
Tow rope
Sand or kitty litter
Full tank of gas

Morning Mindbender