Raleigh grocery stores and gas stations are packed this week

Store shelves are being cleared across the state as people stock up on food, water, batteries and other supplies.

At the Food Lion on Strickland Road in Raleigh, employees expect a flood of shoppers Tuesday.

"Yesterday was really crazy, but it's going to be crazier today," said store manager Alex Rivera. "The good thing is that we are going to get more water."

According to Rivera, as soon as two large shipments of water were put down Monday, they were gone in minutes. Other popular items with shoppers have been canned goods, potato chips, juices and snacks.

WRAL stopped by other grocery stores Monday to find they were packed with people. At Carlie C's in Raleigh, people were stocking up on the usual -- water, bread and canned foods.

At Costco, drivers sat in long lines to get gas not just for their cars but also to be able to fuel their generators. People also waited in the hot sun to fill up their propane tanks in case they lose electricity during the storm.

BJs Wholesale Club, which has locations in Garner, Cary, Raleigh and Fayetteville, among others, on Tuesday announced that all residents of North and South Carolina and Virginia will be given a free three-month membership to stock up on supplies before the storm.

Those interested can sign up for the trial membership in person at their local store and residents of those three states will have the option to join BJs Wholesale Club for a discounted rate of $25 when the trial expires.

Although the trial membership is free, BJs officials noted that availability of supplies may vary by store.

Many told WRAL they're worried about what Florence will do to the Triangle. Others say they've lived through other hurricanes and they'd rather be safe than sorry.