South Florida Stocks Up Before Hurricane Matthew's Approach
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - With the threat of Hurricane Matthew heading in our general direction, for some in South Florida it has brought back memories of Hurricane Andrew.
At a Home Depot on Tuesday, shoppers were buying wood to board up windows, gas cans, coolers and, or course, lots of water.
"People need to take it seriously. It's a big storm, a powerful storm and it can do anything," said one shopper.
Water was also a big thing for Jenny Quinn at a nearby Publix store.
"A Category 4 you don't mess around with," said Quinn.
"At what point did you decide that you'd better go get some stuff," asked CBS4's Silva Harapetian.
"Last night, late last night, when I saw it going more to the west," she replied.
CBS4's Hank Tester spoke to a man named Abel who was looking for screws missing from his shutter set up. When asked if he would shutter up, Abel said "not at this point."
One shopper, who had been through both Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Katrina, said he's not taking any chances and will be prepared.
"I will be by today. I picked up some water earlier and I'm going to get some more canned goods, some more paper goods, stuff like that. Candles. I'll be ready," he said.
Quinn said there's one lesson she learned after going through a big storm.
"Just to have water, lots of water, it's the most important thing because last time we were without water and electricity for a week," she said.
Emergency managers urge everyone to have a three-day supply of food and water on hand. They also suggest getting gas for your vehicles and generator, if you have one.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Miami-Dade and Broward counties along with the upper and middle Keys. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for Deerfield Beach north to Brevard County.
Related: Schools Open Wednesday In Miami-Dade, Broward Amid Hurricane Matthew Preps
South Florida's weather is expected to begin deteriorating Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday we should she squalls and gusty winds. Saturday conditions should start to improve.
