Barbadians found themselves scrambling for supplies and to get ready for Tropical Storm Dorian, clogging streets, gas station, supermarkets and ATMs.
It was as a result of a revised shut down time of 10 a.m. announced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, citing the intensifying of Dorian.
Thick traffic crawled through St Michael, vehicles flowing into the road from packed gas stations and police patrolled the city streets.
At Rubis Wildey, Rubis My Lord’s Hill, Esso Worthing and Sol gas stations in Wildey, St Michael; Top Rock, Christ Church; and Charles Rowe Bridge, St George, there was no gasoline available, but those looking to fill containers with kerosene were able to do so.
While many people declined to comment, stating they were in a hurry, one man, who gave his name as Christian, said he was ready and prepared for Tropical Storm Dorian.
“I didn’t even know the gas ran out. I only came for some diesel. I am prepared as I can be to be honest. I just had to set up some stuff at work and get some [fuel] for a generator and that’s it. Everything at home is safe and alright,” he said.
Over at Carter’s in Wildey, people were shopping for last minute supplies.
One unidentified man, who was shopping with his wife and infant son, admitted he was not ready at all.
“Truth be told, I heard about the storm, but I thought it would just be the rain. Between last night and this morning I realised how serious it might be, so we came out to make sure we had some batteries and containers to fill some water. If nothing else, I need to make sure I have water for my son,” he said.
At Popular Supermarket in Kendal Hill, Christ Church, there was heavy congestion as people made a last minute dash to stock up ahead of the rain.
“Water is my main concern right now. It took me an hour and a half to get these four gallon bottles of water. I hope I don’t have to spend another hour and a half getting home,” another unidentified man said pointing to the traffic outside Rubis Kendal Hill.
Meanwhile, at Maxwell Hill, Christ Church, residents were also making last minute preparations.
“I am going up on the ladder to take down the CBC antennae. I live alone so I have to make sure I am fine. I went to a small mini-mart in Oistins this morning and get my last minute supplies, so I would be good,” said 67-year-old Trevor Lovell.
Down at the boatyard in Oistins, it was a virtual ghost town as most of the boats were berthed and covered with tarpaulin. However, a few people were bathing in the very calm waters at nearby Welches Beach. (RA)
