As we prepare for Barry, the lines at the local gas stations and convenience stores are long and the stores are selling more than gas.

We went out this afternoon to pick up a few supplies and saw the lines at gas pumps at several Acadiana convenience stores. And the lines were orderly as people patiently waited their turn at the pump.

I spoke to one clerk at a local store in Upper Lafayette, and she said business has been busy since Thursday, but today, the door has been non-stop. Plus she went on to say at the door yesterday, the store had three pallets full of bottled water and today, one six-pack remains. Plus customers are picking up batteries, toiletries, soda, bread, milk and some are making sure they have enough adult beverages.

The effects of Tropical Strom Barry, if on the current track should be felt in Acadiana by sunrise Saturday.

The clerk at the store said they plan to remain open all night as they are a 24-hour operation. She did add once the weather gets too threatening or if they lose electricity, the company will make the call to close the store until the threat is over. She did say the store has another shipment of water, bread, milk and other supplies due for arrival later Friday evening.

If you have yet to stock up on hurricane supplies, now is the time before it gets too late to do so or before the stores run out of the staples and you’ll be stuck eating whatever you have.

Plus bottled water is in high demand, you can’t go wrong with a couple of cases. Even if you don’t use them for the hurricane, you can always use them.