NORTH MIAMI, FLA. (WSVN) - Although Hurricane Milton is not making a direct hit on South Florida, some stores across the area have gone empty as people prepare for any developments.
Many in South Florida are hitting stores to stock up on food, water and supplies just in case.
“With hurricane, you always have to worry about because you never know,” said a woman loading cases of water in her trunk. “So in case we have flood, you know, I have to put it in front of the house.”
Residents tell 7News they are aware that South Florida is out of Milton’s cone, but there is still some concern.
Store parking lots are packed with people looking for essentials as Milton gives a frightening reminder of how powerful mother nature can be. Many know how important it is to always have a stock of food and supplies all throughout hurricane season.
Kristen Palmer told 7News that she went out to a store to grab cases of water just in case the impact of the hurricane affects her neighborhood.
“Prevention is better than cure, so you don’t know what impact it may have,” said Palmer. “And just for future hurricanes, I just decided to stock up on some water.”
7News stopped at several stores and saw three items in high-demand: Water, paper goods and eggs.
In North Miami, 7News visited a local Publix and saw eggs sold out by mid-Tuesday afternoon. Only quail eggs were still on the shelves.
Poultry and snacks were also in high demand.
Gas is becoming another high-demand supply as people stop to fuel up their cars.
“Yeah, just came to be prepared,” said a woman adding fuel to her car.
Some gas stations reportedly running out of fuel as people wait in long lines to top off on fuel.
“And I said ‘Oh, what happens if there’s a hurricane coming? And what if it’s gonna have a problem with gas?’ So I decided to stop and fill them up,” said another woman. “What if it’s gonna have a problem with gas, so I decided to stop and fill up.”
Tuesday night was no different as residents like Shaivi Ganatra made last-minute runs to stores.
“I have most of the stuff I need and I just got a few more than I would need, so yeah,” said Ganatra.
She said she’s been following Milton’s track and though she’s not concerned about South Florida being hit, she’s playing it safe.
“Just paying a little precaution, keeping some stuff, yeah,” said Ganatra.
“Just in case,” said 7News reporter Sheldon Fox.
“Yes,” said Ganatra.
Other residents said they were here for regular, non-storm needs, but noticed scarcities on some shelves.
“They were like pretty empty,” said Ganatra. “People may be were stocking up on those, yeah.”
“No eggs,” said a woman. “Maybe toilet paper.”
“I don’t see the egg, I don’t see the water yesterday,” said another shopper.
Ken Wynn told 7News he is not worried. He feels some shoppers in South Florida precautionary stocking up on goods is excessive.
“If you go and look at the meat section, it’s only the expensive stuff and the regular medium price stuff is gone,” said Wynn. “It’s just that people panic, and you know everything is about panic and reacting. Instead of you know taking the information and learning what’s actually going on.”
In case Hurricane Milton shifts more towards South Florida, more people will be prepared after stocking up on food, water, supplies and gas.
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