Houstonians rush to get last-minute supplies as Harvey approaches

HOUSTON – Right now, Brays Bayou is at a trickle compared with what it could be.

However, folks who have lived near the waterway for more than a few years are already feeling major stress because of Hurricane Harvey.

“It started about two days ago,” Donna Myers said of the nervousness that comes with a flooding threat after having been through it time and time again.

“Right now I’m just in limbo,” Myers said.

In her words, Myers has lived inside The Loop just off Brays Bayou "forever."

As such, she's been through quite a few storms and you know she's already stocked.

But those nerves are another matter.

“I’m just going down the aisles and saying ‘Oh, am I out of this? Am I out of that?’” Myers said. “I start thinking what do I want to put up and you know what I want to save. Whether I want to leave. They’re big decisions to make.”

And when the weather finally does settle in, Myers said, “I pretty much pace the floor.”

You might think this constant state of storm-caused stress is something she would like to be rid of.

You'd be wrong.

“You have so little time when it actually does happen so it’s better to start thinking about it,” Myers said.

Harris County residents stock up before Harvey

Well over 24 hours before we feel major impact from Hurricane Harvey Houstonians are making a mad dash to gas stations and grocery stores.

They want to make sure they can survive an extended period of power outages and flooded roads.

WATCH: Houston, Harris County prepare for storm

"You want to be mobile," says Adam Grochowalski. "You want to make sure you can get away if you need to, as a precaution."

A small gas station in Upper Kirby sold more than 300 gallons of unleaded in one hour.

"I already got water," Michelle Robles, who was filling up her gas tank, said. "I'm going to cook lots of meals tonight. To have all of that ready for throughout the day."

But some folks may not be ready.

The parking lot of the Costco in Greenway Plaza was packed and carts were filled as managers told Channel 2 they were running out of the essentials.

And already for some agencies the focus is shifting to those who may be in need after Harvey strikes. Harris County Precinct 1 already is starting to accept donations.

"Diapers, baby items, and things like that," Constable Alan Rosen said. "Non-perishable food. All of those things will be helpful and we'll make sure those items get dispersed again to the areas that are most affected."

Medical professionals also are giving advice to keep people safe during and after the storm. They are telling people to make sure they have all of their prescibed medicine and insulin users should have ice prepared in the event of a power outage.

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About the Authors:

Emmy Award-winning anchor, husband, dad, German Shepherd owner, Crossfitter, Game of Thrones junkie, chupacabra hunter.