As sleet and snow began to cover streets across the city, shoppers scrambled to prepare for Friday’s winter storm, clearing the shelves of Stanley’s True Value store in Roxborough of salt, scrapers and shovels.
“It’s been busy all day,” said store manager Joe Jaconski.
Demand is far greater than last year, he added.
“We’ve sold about 600 20-pound bags of Sure Paws, which are the pet-friendly ice melters we have. I think sales last December were about 90 or 65 bags, so the numbers are definitely up now.”
One of the hoarders is Germantown resident James Vallery, owner of Val’s Restaurant.
“I’ll need more salt tomorrow morning,” he said. “I own a restaurant at 2047 Green Street, so please take some extra precautions so no one slips because it can be dirty down there.”
Around 6 p.m., cold weather began to settle in Philadelphia. City crews are spreading salt along Germantown Avenue in Mount Airy in preparation for slippery conditions.
In Manayunk, Asiah Velasquez struggled to weather the storm outside her home.
“Trying to rise above it,” he said. “Probably every two hours. Scooping everything I can and salting it.”
Velasquez also cleared snow from his car to prevent it from accumulating.
“I was born and raised in Philadelphia, so that’s okay,” he said. “It’s like preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.”
Officials reported several accidents in the area, including one on City Avenue in Winnifield Heights and another involving a rollover on Bells Mill Road in Andorra.
Drivers on eastbound Interstate 76 were moving slowly along the dirt highway.
PennDOT has lowered speed limits on several major roads, including Interstate 76, and plans to lift them when conditions improve.
“The Philadelphia Streets Department is fully prepared for today’s weather event and will continue to treat all roadways in every neighborhood across the city,” the city said in a statement. “Crews will work overnight while precipitation continues to fall to ensure emergency services can move safely through city neighborhoods and that all other drivers and vehicles can travel safely. Until the weather event ends and streets continue to be treated, we urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, use alternative modes like SEPTA, and use caution while driving.”
Residents can track plowing progress at streetmartphl.phila.gov.
