Hurricane Sandy (October 2012): What are stores selling out of as people prepare for the storm to hit?

As Hurricane Sandy approached the East Coast in October 2012, stores experienced significant shortages of essential supplies as people prepared for the storm. Common items that sold out quickly included:

• Bottled Water: Stores ran out of bottled water as people stockpiled it for drinking and hygiene.
• Non-Perishable Foods: Items like canned goods, peanut butter, protein bars, and dry cereal were in high demand.
• Flashlights and Batteries: With the threat of power outages, flashlights and extra batteries were quickly depleted.
• First Aid Kits and Medical Supplies: People stocked up on first aid kits and other medical supplies.
• Gasoline: Gas stations reported shortages as people filled up their vehicles and generators.
• Sandbags: For those in flood-prone areas, sandbags were in high demand to protect homes and businesses.
• Generators and Power Equipment: Generators and other power equipment were sought after to provide backup power during outages.
• Battery-Powered Radios: To stay informed during the storm, battery-powered radios were popular purchases.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Supplies like toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste were also in short supply.

These shortages highlighted the importance of early preparation for severe weather events.