'Getting ready to buckle down': New Orleanians rush for supplies and gas ahead of Francine (2024)

  • BY JOSIE ABUGOV | Staff writer

    Josie Abugov

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In the crammed Costco parking lot early Monday, Taffy Butler-Johnson loaded her trunk with bottled water and non-perishable food in preparation for Tropical Storm Francine. A New Orleans East resident, Butler-Johnson said she wasn't too concerned about the storm, expected to make landfall near Lafayette late Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane, but wanted to be prepared just in case.

“We’re getting ready to buckle down for 48 hours,” she said in the crowded parking lot, as people exited the store with carts loaded with water, ice and canned food among other groceries. “Hopefully all we get is the rain and wind.”

After battling the crowds at Costco, Butler-Johnson said she was headed to Winn-Dixie for more supplies, especially Spagghetios for her seven-year-old son, who is autistic and particular about the food he eats.

“To us, it’s just another day,” she said.

Thousands of metro area residents spent the day preparing for the storm by stocking up on batteries and flashlights from Home Depot and non-perishable groceries from Walmart. Long lines also formed as residents rushed to gas up their cars.

While the forecast models predicted landfall somewhere along Louisiana's central coast, the New Orleans area could still see significant effects, including powerful winds, flooding and power outages. Those with memories of recent storms, ranging from Ida to Katrina, were not taking any chances.

'Literally a fortress'

Near Butler-Johnson in the busy Costco lot, Allison Akhter, 37, rolled her shopping cart of water, toilet paper and snacks for her kids. Due to the sturdy construction of her house, which she described as “three bricks thick,” Akhter said she’s not worried. Aside from stocking up on food, she feels totally prepared.

“Our house is literally a fortress,” she said. “Every hurricane, totally fine.”

But others were still searching for supplies to prepare, according to Charles Molinaro, who works at Home Depot on South Claiborne. By Monday morning, he said he had already noticed an uptick in people buying flashlights, rain suits, ponchos and batteries.

In the Home Depot parking lot, Carl Kirksey said he doesn’t need to prepare much because he has a generator in his home. But if Francine was forecasted to be bigger than a Category 1, as it was expected to be on Monday morning when The Times-Picayune spoke to him, he would leave.

“I’d have been gone already,” he said.

By Monday afternoon, Francine was expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane.

In the Walmart parking lot on Tchoupitoulas, Kirk Zeno, standing beside a shopping cart loaded with water, expressed optimism about the city’s ability to withstand the storm, especially in contrast to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “Ain’t no hurricane going to hit like Katrina. We could stand a hurricane.”

Email Josie Abugov at Josie.Abugov@TheAdvocate.com.

Low-level offenders freed from New Orleans jail, 176 more evacuated as Francine looms, sheriff's office says

Nearly 200 inmates will be evacuated and an unnamed number of low-level offenders will be released from Orleans Justice Center in preparation for Tropical Storm Francine, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office stated in a Monday afternoon press release.

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Hurricane Francine is threatening Louisiana. See our latest headlines.

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Will Tropical Storm Francine see 'rapid intensification'? Here's what the models, forecasts say.

Warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico are expected to help Tropical Storm Francinequickly grow into a Category 2 hurricane before it strikes the …

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'Getting ready to buckle down': New Orleanians rush for supplies and gas ahead of Francine (2024)

FAQs

What to do if someone asks for gas money? ›

First, offer to help without giving them cash. If a woman asks for money for gas, instead offer to pay to pump a few gallons for her. If the phone is locked in the car, ask who you can call to help them out. Certainly check their story.

How do you unlock landmarks in gas station simulator? ›

They can be unlocked by leveling up the Gas Station.

How often do you need to stop for gas on a road trip? ›

For example, if your car gets 30 MPG and has a 12-gallon tank, your car should be able to go 360 miles on a fill-up. However, your actual mileage will vary so you should plan to fill up with around a quarter tank left, just in case. Multiply by . 75 to find the optimum miles to go between gas stops.

Why do gas prices fluctuate from city to city? ›

Taxes may be higher in one part of town, or there may be different requirements for specific fuel blends. However, gas prices can vary because of different wholesale costs or business strategies: Wholesale costs, which may vary by 10 cents to 20 cents per gallons.

What happens if you give the cashier too much money for gas? ›

If you prepay too much for gas with a credit card, you will only be charged for the purchase amount and the remainder of the prepaid amount will not be charged to your card. The gas pump will stop when you reach the prepaid amount or when the tank is full.

How do you respond to someone asking for money on the street? ›

You can also respond “no”, or “sorry”. If you feel the need to offer something, consider offering water or a gift card for food. To make an impact, consider redirecting your generosity by donating to local organizations that provide valuable services to the unsheltered.

What are the codes for Gas Station Simulator? ›

Twitter Codes
CodesRewards
waterHydro Tank L1
energyBattery L1
despacitoTurns into the Despacito Spider

How do you get more lockpicks in Gas Station Simulator? ›

Just open your tool radio menu and it'll be right there at the top. You have two lockpicks for every car. They refill automatically.

What does the pneumatic hammer do in Gas Station Simulator? ›

Stop… It's hammer time! With the hammer tool available in Gas Station Simulator, you'll be able to change the positions of the cash register, trash can, walls, windows, doors. You will also be able to adjust queue placements – how cool is that!

When should you leave a road trip? ›

“We always recommend, especially during the holidays, leave early in the morning,” Diaz said. “The later you leave in the day, the worse it's going to be because a lot of times during the week … you're going to mix with those commuters on the road.”

How often should you switch drivers on a road trip? ›

Changing drivers every 2-3 hours is recommended to minimize fatigue for drivers and to keep everyone else well-rested too.

Does turning off car in traffic save gas? ›

Unless you drive a vintage, carburetor-equipped vehicle, you'll save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by turning it off. Some drivers think that idling uses less fuel than restarting, but our research has found that drivers save fuel and reduce emissions by shutting down for stops as brief as 10 seconds.

Why is Exxon gas so expensive? ›

High taxes are partly to blame in California. The state has the highest gasoline taxes in the nation, according to EIA.

Why is gas cheaper in Arizona than California? ›

Arizona's state gasoline tax is a low $0.19 a gallon, $0.20 less than the national average, allowing it room compared to the state average of $0.39 a gallon to pay for the more expensive processing forced upon refineries in California.

Who sets gas prices in each state? ›

Petroleum prices are determined by market forces of supply and demand, not individual companies, and the price of crude oil is the primary determinant of the price we pay at the pump.

How to deal with people asking for money? ›

Nod, smile, or say hello to show you are aware of their presence. This is a compassionate response that won't cost you any money. Refuse to give money politely. A flat “No” to their request might seem rude and uncaring.

How to gift someone gas money? ›

Buy or Reload a Shell Refillable Gift Card. Give as a gift or budget your own gasoline spending. Upload your own photo for a special customized Card.

What to do if a stranger approaches you for money? ›

Make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and don't linger to talk to strangers. If you speak to someone asking for money, be kind but firm. “Sorry, I don't have any extra money this month.” Be sure to keep walking briskly away.

Can I ask my boss for gas money? ›

Under the California Labor Code, an employer is responsible for money an employee spends in the course of his or her work. For example, an employee whose job includes the use of his or her own car is entitled to be paid something for that use.

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