Propane, water are hot items as Richmonders stock up ahead of storm

It was a good day to be a squash lover at the Sheila Lane Walmart on Saturday morning. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder)

Stores across the area struggled to keep pace with demand on Saturday morning as shoppers made their final preparations before a severe winter storm arrives.

Grocery stores and home improvement stores had full parking lots and long lines. Propane supplies were low or out at most home improvement stores – the gas is used to power some emergency generators.

Drivers waited in a line that stretched down the block for propane at Southern States. (Michael Phillips/The Richmonder)

After last year's winter storm knocked out the city's water supply for a week, bottled water has also been a hard item to find over the last two days.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield issued its final forecast this morning, calling for 5.4 inches of snow in Richmond.

More importantly, the precipitation will turn to ice on Sunday morning, which could result in downed power lines across the area.

The NWS is forecasting a quarter-inch to a half-inch of ice, a difference that could be significant in determining how many Richmonders lose power.

Most stores are adjusting hours or closing entirely on Sunday.

FEMA mobilized in Virginia ahead of the storm's expected Saturday night arrival.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula declared a state of emergency on Friday, and the city has also opened The Salvation Army Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, for those who need it.