Tracking Henri: Long Island Residents Stock Up On Necessities Ahead Of Storm's Arrival
PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Many residents on Long Island spent Saturday stocking up on necessities as they brace for the worst from Hurricane Henri.
As CBS2's Thalia Perez reports, lines were long and shelves were empty at stores in the area.
Residents said they've been through this before, they've learned from their mistakes and they're prepared for the worst.
"I bought wood to cover up stuff so it doesn't break my windows or anything like that. Try to protect as much of the glass as I can," Joe Samler, of Sayreville, said.
"I just got the last flashlight in the Home Depot, so I feel a little lucky right now," Michelle Barber, of Bayport said.
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But not everyone left Home Depot feeling lucky.
Many last-minute shoppers left the store disappointed and empty-handed, like Prad Patri, who said necessities like batteries and generators were gone.
"There's nothing left over there. I even wanted some power to back up some of my freezer. Nothing left," Patri said.
WATCH: Nassau County Officials Give Update On Hurricane Henri Preps
Over at the Shell on East Main Street, Lou Roca said he is trying not to worry but bracing for the worst.
"Two tanks. That's for the generator, just in case. Hopefully, I don't need it," he said.
The brunt of the storm is expected to hit hardest between noon and 2 p.m. Sunday.
WATCH: Freeport Officials Give Update On Preparations For Hurricane Henri
Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy gave some solid advice that everyone in low-lying areas could use.
"Make sure your vehicles have gas. Make sure you have some food. Make sure you have water in house, and if you have batteries or phones, make sure they're charged. Make sure we have fully charged batteries [so] in the event of emergency, you'll be able to reach out to other people," he said.
If you don't lose power and stocked up your refrigerator, Patchogue resident Jerry Durante reminds us to plan some fun stuff, too, especially if you're riding out the storm with loved ones.
"You gotta prepare, I guess. Just get a few things, some snacks, wine coolers," she said.
The prognosis from PSEG Long Island looks as bleak as the forecast. In the worst case scenario, the utility said some customers could face 7-10 days without power. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said that's unacceptable.
Sources told CBS2 the utility companies have twice as much help as they did for Tropical Storm Isaias last year ready to go this time.
New York City is also taking precautions before the storm, including postponing the Five Boro Bike Tour from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29.
Swimming will not be allowed at the city's beaches until at least Tuesday. There is potential for 4-foot ocean swells.
Nassau County parks will be closed Sunday.
Trucks with empty or tandem trailers are banned from MTA bridges and tunnels from 11 p.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Sunday.
CBS2's Christina Fan and Thalia Perez contributed to this report.