GETTING READY — Chris DePalma, left, and Daniel Leasure loaded bags of calcium chloride into the trunks of many customers at M&M Hardware in Steubenville on Thursday as many responded to predictions of heavy snowfall this weekend. -- Warren Scott

Many area residents have been stocking up on shovels, salt, food and other materials following predictions from various sources of a major snowfall this weekend.

Andrew Kienzle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Pittsburgh office in Moon Township, said anywhere from 8 inches to 12 inches of snow could fall from late Saturday into Sunday, with a potential for 15 inches in higher elevations.

He said the projections were tentative as the weather service continues to monitor a cold front poised to enter the Tri-State Area from the Gulf Coast.

Kienzle said it’s difficult to say whether precipitation will exceed the almost 25 inches of snow that fell in two days in March 1993 or the 21 inches of snow that accumulated during the same time period in February 2010.

He said a change in the front’s movement could result in less snow and a shorter duration for the storm.

But he confirmed the National Weather Service has predicted an 80 percent chance of precipitation on Saturday, rising to 100 percent on Sunday.

“It’s certainly going to snow,” said Kienzle.

He said of additional concern are the frigid temperatures the front is expected to produce.

Kienzle said thermometers are expected to dip to 0 degrees tonight, with the wind chill factor, or combination of the actual temperature and wind speed, at 5 to 10 degrees below 0 on Friday into Saturday.

He said the temperature will rise only slightly on Saturday, resulting in a high of 15 degrees to 20 degrees with a wind chill factor of 5 degrees.

“It’s going to feel downright cold,” said Kienzle.

He noted because wind results in heat loss to exposed skin, it’s very important for people to avoid extended contact with the cold and to cover up as much as possible when venturing outside.

Kienzle noted many wisely wrap towels around plumbing in unheated areas of their homes and leave faucets running to a slow drip to prevent the pipes from freezing under such conditions.

Among many businesses that have seen a higher influx of customers making preparations was M&M Hardware on Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville.

Amber Johnston, the store’s manager, said it’s already seen a lot of sales this winter for supplies and equipment ranging from salt to snow blowers and generators.

“Many customers have been here in recent months, but especially during the last couple of days when they’ve heard about the possible huge storm,” she said.

Owner Scott Campbell said the store currently is low on rock salt but has plenty of calcium chloride to help homeowners with icy steps and sidewalks.

He also offered some advice to those preparing for the inclement weather.

“People need to not get excited. Get out and get your stuff before it comes,” Campbell said, adding it’s a good idea to call in advance to be sure a store has what you need.

“If it’s a wet, heavy snow, don’t try to do too much,” he added, noting heavy shoveling can lead to overexertion and heart attacks.

Campbell noted it’s not always necessary to clear an entire area of snow, which eventually will melt.

“My father always said, God put it there and he will take it away,” he said.