With meteorologists predicting up to a foot or more of snow over the weekend coupled with sub-zero temperatures, Western New Yorkers aren't taking any chances.      

"You know, in case the snow is bad, to protect ourselves against starvation, famine, things of that nature," said Buffalo resident Steve Wagner.

"We're ready for it. When we know a storm is coming we want to be ahead of it because we know that customers are shopping early and then when the storm hits then the stores they quiet down. So, everyone is here in anticipation of the storm," said Wegmans spokesperson Michelle Mehaffey.

At the Wegmans on Amherst Street, Mehaffey says that means having all the essential items people need to weather the storm.

"We see those staple items — we see the milk and the bread and eggs. Certainly batteries, candles, ice melt, occasionally shovels, although it’s Western New York most people have their shovels by now. That’s just some of the things that we see. Then of course we are in Buffalo so, we see beer. People like to buy beer as well," said Mahaffey.

At Hector's Hardware on Transit Road, owner Michael Chameli says the below-average snowfall this winter put a freeze on items like shovels, ice melt and snow blowers. He says a little snow could do a lot for business.     

"It's been a very slow start. It was good at the beginning then it slowed down but, with this weekend coming up, we're going to have some sales definitely," said Chameli.

Meantime, if you find yourself running out to the store for some last-minute items, Mehaffey has this advice.

"I only say: make sure that you take a list so you don't forget anything. Write down those things you know you want to get for the storm, and certainly patience helps as well," said Mehaffey.