Dec 23, 2022 3 min read

The arctic blast that is bringing frigid temperatures coupled with snow and ice is prompting a run on salt and other winter supplies at local hardware stores.

Joseph Nelson, assistant manager for Miller’s Ace Hardware in McMurray, said chemical ice melt and shovels have been “flying off the shelves” since Wednesday after weather reports showed snow and bone-chilling temperatures would be arriving this morning.

“People are really prepping for this storm,” Nelson said. “The past couple of days, it’s been steadily getting more. Maybe Monday or Tuesday people really started prepping, but Wednesday was really hectic.”

The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh is predicting an inch or two of snow to accumulate in Washington and Greene counties through the weekend. But more concerning is how temperatures are expected to plummet into single digits today with gusting winds that could bring a wind chill of -25 degrees.

“With cold temp and strong winds, the wind chill becomes a concern,” said Myranda Fullerton, a meteorologist with the weather service in Pittsburgh. “It will be cold and blustery after this front passes.”

In addition to ice melt and salt, Nelson said they’ve seen people looking for winterization supplies to prep their homes for the bitter cold weather. He said they’ve sold pipe insulation and heated wraps to keep pipes from freezing, along with kerosene heaters.

“It’s been all of the above,” Nelson said. “I think people, more than anything, are prepping (to buy) food and stuff in case they’re locked in with the ice. People are trying to stay warm and keep active with the ice melt.”

With the blast of bitter temperatures and whipping winds forecast over the holiday weekend, Pennsylvania American Water Company reminded customers to take the proper steps to prevent frozen and damaged pipes. In addition to insulating pipes, homeowners should allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep them from freezing and open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures.

“Preparation and prevention can help avoid frozen pipes that can burst and result in costly household damages,” said Jim Runzer, vice president of operations PAWC. “Taking measures now can safeguard your plumbing against the threat of freezes and breaks.”

Those freezing temperatures could also cause icy road conditions this morning as the rain overnight turns to snow. Fullerton cautioned drivers who are commuting to work to take their time and be prepared for poor weather conditions.

“We’re worried about flash freeze concern as that front crosses,” Fullerton said. “If you do have to travel (Friday morning), please be mindful of that threat.”

Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, added that people who are traveling for the holidays should be careful and pay attention to the weather forecast before leaving home.

“We can’t control the weather, but we each can control how informed and prepared we are, so that we can make decisions that keep our loved ones safe,” Padfield said.

Staff writer Karen Mansfield contributed to this story.