Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Gloria Reid stocks up on hurricane supplies such as candles and batteries yesterday at Super Plus Food Stores in Cross Roads, St. Andrew. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

A hurricane threatens, and the supermarkets are flooded by customers. That is the typical scene whenever the country is under a weather alert.

Yesterday, The Gleaner spoke with Judith Wilson as she bought rope from a hardware store on Orange Street, downtown Kingston.

"I need the rope to tie down my roof as I don't want the zinc to blow off," Ms. Wilson said.

The young professional, who had used her lunch hour to buy the necessary rope, was not the only customer in the afternoon sun stocking up on necessary items in anticipation of Hurricane Dean.

More shoppers anticipated

However, one of the hardware's representatives told The Gleaner that they had anticipated more shoppers.

In Cross Roads, Kingston, at Super Plus Food Stores, manager Roger Wee Tom said customers had already started to purchase the necessary food items.

A shelf in the store labelled 'Hurricane Supplies' had to be restocked with lanterns, candles, flashlights and batteries.

"We expected more shoppers today, but you know how Jamaicans stay, they will shop at the last minute," Mr. Wee Tom said.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com