WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Northeastern Pennsylvania is gearing up for the winter storm Saturday night.
People are stacking up on their groceries while Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) crews take steps to ensure safety on the roads.
PennDOT says its crews will start hitting the roads in the morning.
One couple 28/22 News spoke with Saturday evening figured they would dodge the storm and get what they needed before the snow began.
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"Just our typical six bags we get every Saturday morning and there was still milk left on the shelves," said Wilkes-Barre resident Ruthie Wren.
Ruthie and Bob Wren did their usual weekend shopping at Schiel's family market, but this time, they got their groceries at night.
"The lady said 'It's a good thing you didn't come this morning or afternoon, the lines were in the aisles,'" Ruthie explained.
Ruthie is recovering from spine surgery, so the couple plans to stay indoors the next few days with a winter storm arriving Sunday followed by frigid temperatures.
"We decided to do it tonight because he locks me in the house on a snow day. I can't go out he's afraid I'm going to fall," Ruthie added.
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Based on what was left of what was fully stocked eggs, bread, and even water, the supermarket was extremely busy.
"It's definitely been a long day, to say the least," said Schiel's Family Market Assistant Manager David Bubblo.
Bubblo works most weekends. He says his shift was busy as expected.
"I think with the snow and football and it just being the weekend a lot of customers are making their way in," Bubblo added.
In the meantime, PennDOT is ready to roll.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the transportation department will have plows and trucks staffed, the forecast monitored, and any necessary adjustments ready to be made.
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"As temperatures decrease salt becomes less effective so making sure operators are using the correct rates and applications," PennDOT District 4 Acting Maintenance Services Engineer Kaitlyn Drumheller said.
This will be one of several storms to hit our region this winter season with several inches of snow expected to fall throughout the region.
PennDOT recommends limiting travel. It's something the Wrens wholeheartedly agree with.
"People can't drive in good weather let alone when it's bad you know, so," Bob said.
Bob added, "When the weather is bad you shouldn't be out there anyway because you know they're just causing problems for other people. So, snow: Stay home."
We are expecting to see snow start to fall around 12:00 p.m. Sunday, and temperatures dropping drastically Sunday night.
