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PennDOT says they're prepped and ready to keep roads passable, safe for Eagles fans this Sunday

Last-minute rush of shoppers in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania prepare ahead of significant snow
Last-minute rush of shoppers in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania prepare ahead of significant snow 02:34

The rush picked up throughout the day on Friday at Stanley's Hardware in Roxborough as neighbors prepared for Sunday's winter weather. The store's manager said it is stocked and ready to go with snowstorm essentials like ice melt and snow shovels.

"We do a lot of pickups, getting just pallet after pallet when the big storms come," Alex Jaconski, store manager, said. 

Crews in Montgomery County are out preparing for the winter weather, pre-treating roads ahead of the snowfall. 

A truck was laying down salt in a shopping center parking lot on City Avenue. Shoppers were also out hoping to save themselves a trip before the snow.

"Beat the lines, 'cause it'll be crazy tomorrow," said shopper Ameer Blackmon. "Plus, it's an Eagles playoff game."

Blackmon, who visited the local Acme, said he has no plans to be out in the snow.

"I'll be in the house where I have heat and where it's warm and I'll look at the snow in the window and hope for the best from there," he said.

PennDOT said they're ready to go too with salt barns fully stocked. Come Sunday morning, snow trucks will be out in full force.

snow-supplies.jpg
CBS Philadelphia

"We're looking at about 430, or so, trucks in the five-county region. That includes all our department forces and all of our contractor trucks," said Brad Rudolph, PennDOT deputy communications director.

At Ace Hardware in Turnersville, New Jersey, we talked to Jeffrey Moore who is not only preparing for the snow but also the arctic blast.

"Prepare now before it gets cold, before the ice comes, before rainy conditions because you don't want to be out in that," said Moore. "And cause any problems, accidents. You want to make sure the roads are clear in case of emergencies. It's better to prepare for everything ahead of time."

The store manager at Ace Hardware said salt, shovels and ice melt were among the popular items at the store.

It's all about timing right now for PennDOT.

"We're waiting to see whether this storm comes in as rain potentially early Sunday before the snow. So anti-icing may not be an option," Rudolph said.

The agency is also keeping an eye on the area around Lincoln Financial Field during the game.

Philadelphians scoop up snowstorm essentials as they prepare to hunker down this weekend 01:53

"The stadium could be tricky. You can tell people to stay home, but if they have tickets to the game or they're tailgating, they're going to go. So, I certainly do recommend planning ahead, taking an eye on what does it look like out there, use the 511PA system," Rudolph said. "I guarantee you, we'll be out there and we'll keep those roads passable for fans. It might not be free of snow and ice, if snow is falling at a pretty good clip."

Brittany Laferriere made sure to get what she needed, not wanting to take any risks with the winter weather.

"I try to avoid the roads," she said. "I have a car that's not the best on the street. Trying to get ahead of the snow by getting my things done before it gets here."

But for some, the snow will be a welcomed sight.

PennDOT, NJDOT and DelDOT are preparing for this weekend's snowfall 01:45

Moore said his kids are hoping we get as much snow as possible.

"My kids are so excited, they were disappointed from the first snowfall. Because it wasn't enough to go sledding," he said. "They really wanted to go sledding. We were able to go out and play and build a snowman. They look forward to it. They are hoping we get enough."

Once the storm moves out of the area Sunday night, the work will continue for crews as frigid temperatures settle in.

"Refreezing is dangerous. We could see black ice, certainly slick conditions," Rudolph said.

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