South Jersey Residents Scramble for Salt as Another Snowstorm Approaches

Hardware stores face shortages, leaving customers hoping to secure supplies before the next storm hits.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Residents across South Jersey are preparing for another round of snow, but some are finding it harder to get the supplies they need after stores ran low during recent storms. Hardware stores that typically keep rock salt and ice melt in stock are now facing shortages, leaving customers hoping to secure what remains before the next storm arrives.

Why it matters

The shortage of salt and ice melt supplies in South Jersey highlights the challenges residents face in preparing for severe winter weather. With another snowstorm on the way, the lack of available resources could make it difficult for people to keep their homes, businesses, and roads safe and accessible.

The details

Hardware stores in the region, such as Westmont Ace Hardware and Cartun Hardware, have reported surging demand for salt and ice melt products as customers try to stock up before the next storm. Some stores have already run out of supplies entirely, with owners citing supply chain issues and an unusually harsh winter as the main factors. Customers have been forced to look for alternatives, like purchasing garden shovels to deal with the ice and snow.

  • The latest snowstorm is expected to hit the region this weekend.
  • Hardware stores have been facing shortages of salt and ice melt since recent winter storms.

The players

Eric Davies

A resident of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, who is frustrated with the persistent winter weather.

Deanna Francesconi

A resident who went to Westmont Ace Hardware in Haddon Township to prepare for the upcoming storm.

Bill Getzinger

The owner of Westmont Ace Hardware, who said demand for salt and ice melt has surged as customers try to avoid being caught off guard.

David Garrison

The owner of Cartun Hardware in Camden, who said the store has already run out of salt entirely due to supply chain issues.

Brad Rudolph

The deputy communications director for PennDOT, who said the agency has a good stockpile of salt and is prepared to treat roads ahead of the storm.

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What they’re saying

“Very sick of it, ready for spring, that first nice day of being able to open the windows and get some fresh air in the house.”

— Eric Davies (6abc.com)

“I said to him , 'We're gonna go today because the closer it gets to Sunday, the more they won't have any more salt,'”

— Deanna Francesconi (6abc.com)

“People are starting to panic a little bit. The people that got shut out during the last storm, making sure they have their shovel, they have their salt, and are ready to go.”

— Bill Getzinger, Owner, Westmont Ace Hardware (6abc.com)

“Early January, we got notice that 22 of the 25 different brands of salt were out for the season. Right now, there's no calcium, no blends, no pet safe available from the suppliers.”

— David Garrison, Owner, Cartun Hardware (6abc.com)

“Fortunately, we came into the season with about 120,000 tons, which is a pretty good stockpile. We've used about half of our supply, we've already ordered more since then so right now we're in pretty good shape.”

— Brad Rudolph, Deputy Communications Director, PennDOT (6abc.com)

What’s next

Crews are expected to begin pretreating major highways and interstates ahead of the storm, hoping to minimize dangerous travel conditions as snow moves into the region.

The takeaway

The salt shortage in South Jersey highlights the challenges residents face in preparing for severe winter weather, and the importance of proactive planning and resource management by local governments and transportation agencies to ensure public safety during snowstorms.