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Shoppers fill up on gas, water & supplies ahead of Hurricane Dorian

Posted at 7:28 PM, Aug 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-30 19:28:31-04

TAMPA, Fla.-- Preparations are in full swing with Hurricane Dorian churning off of Florida's east coast. That means shoppers are on the hunt for everything from gas to water and other hurricane supplies.

"I called Target on my way down Himes [Avenue], and they said we just got a shipment in. Thank you, Jesus. We're covered," said shopper Cheryl Webb.

Webb said she was able to grab water for herself and some friends early Friday afternoon at the Target off of North Dale Mabry Highway. But like other shoppers, she had to make stops at multiple businesses before finding what she needed. Several people said they were looking for water.

"It has been tough," Webb said.

"It took me several stores to find gas for like a stove. Food's been findable," said Kali Sherman, also shopping at Target.

Many stores are working to keep supplies stocked.

Target released this statement:

"Our teams are working tirelessly to bring additional products to our Florida stores to help guests who are stocking up and preparing for the storm.

Since Monday, we’ve been sending pallets of needed hurricane supplies like flashlights, batteries, gas cans and shelf-stable food to stores across Florida, including more than 700,000 bottles of water.

We’ll continue to push as many products to our stores as we safely can before Dorian arrives."

People waited outside Lowes on West Waters Avenue Friday morning, rushing to get generators. The store expected to get another shipment.

Publix released this statement about its supplies:

"We continue to receive daily deliveries, and we’re working closely with our suppliers to meet the demands of our associates, customers and communities.

We continue to replenish supplies in high-demand, including ice, water, batteries, dry ice, canned goods and bread."

"Everyone wants water, bread, the necessities," said Linda Stanaland.

Part of the necessities include gas. According to GasBuddy.com, more than one in four stations in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area ran out of gas by 3 p.m. Friday afternoon. While some stations had lines, or no gas, other stations remained stocked without waits.

Many shoppers seemed to keep their concerns measured, though.

"I don't know enough yet. I think we don't know enough yet, but better safe than sorry," Sherman said.