Trying Day For Space Coast Amid Rush For Water, Gas Ahead Of Matthew
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COCOA BEACH (CBSMiami) – It's been a trying day for the Space Coast as locals made a run on water and gas ahead of Hurricane Matthew.
"I can't even comprehend it. The pumps have been non-stop since 5:30 in the morning to 10:30 at night," said Mary Brahm, a BP Employee.
"Yes, I've been to three or four different places and most of them have been sold out," said Kendrick Haynes, a Port St. Johns resident.
He plans not to evacuate. His truck may come in handy.
"Everyone has laughed at me for years for having a big one, but if it floods, I should be good to go," said Haynes.
For those looking to stay behind but in a safe place, Brevard County shelters opened Wednesday night. It was just in time for Andrea Ateen.
"I am feeling better now that we are here. I was feeling nervous when we were on the beach… and the beach started disappearing," she said.
In Cape Canaveral, businesses are boarding up. A Category 4 hurricane could bring winds that could level the area. The biggest concern though regardless of the storm's track, is flooding.
"Just a bit. Everyone is a little worried. You could have some pretty bad flooding so I want to take every precaution to make sure it doesn't happen," said Chef Luke Bares.
The barrier islands of Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, and Merritt Island are now under a mandatory evacuation.
"My husband's a cop so he has to stay and help manage everything but the kids and I, we are going to head out," said Ashley Distler who is heading to Tampa.
The Kennedy Space Center has shut down, dismissing non-essential personnel and the last cruise ship has set sail from Port Canaveral in an effort to miss the storm.
Stephanie Schill, visiting for a family reunion, is leaving too.
"We flew in from Chicago and we are hoping to enjoy the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, the weather has different plans for us. We were supposed to stay through Saturday but we've booked a flight out tomorrow morning," said Schill.
