The mere mention of the word snow is enough to set off a chain reaction as people rush to their nearest stores to snatch up their necessities.

Evidence of that could be found Friday as people made the rounds at local grocery and retail stores as they brace for today’s storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect from 1 p.m. today through 7 p.m. Sunday.

Heavy snow is in the forecast, with up to 10 inches possible in Carbon and Monroe counties.

AccuWeather has called for between 3 to 6 inches of snowfall for most parts of the region, with the Poconos expected to receive even more. It’s not a blizzard but it’s the first measurable snow in 2 years and people are excited.

Supplies

Bags of rock salt were flying off the shelves Friday at the Lowe’s Home Improvement in Mahoning Township, according to Britt Roberts-Faulk, store manager.

Roberts-Faulk said they had to refill the bags of rock salt earlier in the day to keep up with the huge demand.

“We’ve seen an uptick in shovels, salt,” said Roberts-Faulk who added snowblowers had been sold as well. “I think people are waiting to watch (the forecast) to see the snow/rain line.”

Surprisingly, Roberts-Faulk noted that several grills had been sold as recently as Thursday.

Marzen’s Hardware employees in Jim Thorpe said they began seeing a small uptick Thursday in customers preparing for the storm. Friday, however, yielded even more business.

“People are trying to get ahead of the snow,” Eric Marzen said. “It’s been a lot of shovels that we’re selling, but we see a great deal of ice melt purchased as well.”

Supply is strong for all of the normal storm essentials, Marzen added.

“We still have a lot of shovels, salt and even sleds available,” he said. “All of the good stuff is here and ready to go.”

Marzen’s is open until 5:30 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Tom Tirpak of Northeast Chemical and Supply Company in Lansford said that people have been coming into buy winter gear.

“It’s been very busy,” he said, noting that the store is fully stocked with all types of ice melts, including blended types, calcium, Qik Joe and pet safe melts.

“We have well over 150 tractor-trailer loads full of ice melt,” Tirpak said.

In addition to melts, other movers have included shovels and ice scrapers, as well as wood pellets and bagged coal for heating purposes.

“We’re all set for just about then when dealing with winter,” Tirpak said.

Argot Hardware in Brodheadsville is seeing lots of customers, too. Ivori Choinsky, the assistant manager, said the stream of customers has been steady.

In addition to ice melt, pet safe ice melt, and shovels, people have also been coming in for home heating products, such as wood pellets and propane.

Choinsky said there have even been an occasional sled purchase here and there.

“We have a lot of people coming in talking about the storm, speculating on totals, and when it’s going to start,” she said.

Choinsky said her store typically has in supply everything people need to handle the snow, so if people run out after this storm, no problem.

“They don’t have to panic buy,” she said. “If they want, they can come in when this one is over and pick up things in anticipation of the next storm.”

Bread, milk, eggs

Many a shopper could be found grabbing their last-minute necessities at Country Harvest Family Market in Palmerton, according to manager Chris Anthony.

“They’re coming in, and they’re getting what they need for the storm; lots of bread, lots of milk, eggs, the usual PA Dutch scare,” Anthony said. “It’s been pretty brisk; lots of people coming in and getting their storm supplies.”

Anthony said shoppers wouldn’t experience any shortage of items.

“We’re well stocked,” he said. “There’s no need to hoard.”

Anthony added, “We have lots of rock salt.”

“I think we got four or five pallets of rock salt in today (Friday) for the storm,” he said. “We’re not sure how rock salt is going to play out because Shea’s is closed now.”

Things weren’t quite as hectic at Mallard Markets in Lehighton Friday around noon, according to Karan Patel, owner.

“We’re well stocked for anything that comes our way as usual,” Patel said. “We brought rock salt up for customers to grab.”

Folks also stocked up on adult beverages on Friday, said Shawn Kelly, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

“Yes, we do see an increase in sales at our Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores before a winter weather event. or any weather event, really. We figure folks are going out and picking up goods that they normally would have purchased another day,” he said.

Reporters Jarrad Hedes, Amy Miller. Jill Whalen and Kristine Porter contributed to this report.