Every storm warning brings the same rush-people heading to the store to grab supplies they should've already had. It's almost a ritual at this point: empty shelves, long lines, and someone realizing too late they forgot the one thing they actually needed.
Most of what people scramble for could easily be stocked ahead of time, but somehow it never happens. Here's what always disappears first whenever the forecast calls for trouble-and what you'll wish you already had on hand.
Bottled water
Water is always the first thing to go when bad weather hits. Even if the city supply isn't expected to fail, people grab it out of habit or worry.
Keep a few gallons stored year-round so you're not stuck fighting crowds. It's cheap insurance against contamination or outages that can happen during floods or heavy storms.
Batteries
Every storm sends people digging through drawers for working batteries, only to find dead ones or the wrong size. Flashlights, radios, and small devices all depend on them.
Stock up on AA, AAA, and D batteries before storm season. Store them in a labeled container so you can find what you need fast when the power goes out.
Flashlights and lanterns
When the lights flicker, flashlights suddenly become gold. Stores can't keep them on shelves once an outage hits.
Rechargeable or battery-powered lanterns light up a whole room and are safer than candles. Keep one in the main living space and one in the bedroom-you'll thank yourself later.
Bread and milk
It's a running joke, but it's true-bread and milk vanish the minute the forecast turns ugly. People instinctively stock up on the basics they know they'll use.
Instead, keep shelf-stable milk and a few extra loaves of bread in the freezer. You'll skip the last-minute scramble and still have the essentials if deliveries get delayed.
Ice and coolers
When power outages are likely, everyone suddenly remembers they need ice. But by then, the freezer section's empty and stores are rationing bags.
Having a cooler or two and a few frozen water bottles ready makes a big difference in keeping food safe. It's a small prep that saves a fridge full of groceries.
Gasoline
Gas stations get swamped before big storms, especially when people expect power outages or evacuation orders. Waiting too long can leave you with an empty tank and long lines.
Keep your gas tank at least half full during storm season and fill a gas can or two ahead of time. That way you're not stranded if stations shut down.
Phone chargers and power banks
Everyone realizes too late that their backup power bank is either missing or dead. When the power's out, your phone becomes your lifeline-for updates, maps, and communication.
Charge all devices and backup batteries before a storm hits. Keeping a solar or crank charger handy also helps if the outage lasts longer than expected.
Canned food
Pantry staples like soup, tuna, and beans always fly off shelves right before a storm. They're easy, filling, and don't require refrigeration.
Build up a small stash of shelf-stable meals so you're not left with whatever's left in the store. Don't forget a manual can opener-it's the most overlooked storm essential.
Propane and charcoal
Anyone with a grill knows cooking becomes a lot harder without electricity. Propane and charcoal are in high demand when outages drag on.
Keep an extra tank or bag sealed and stored safely before storm season. It's an easy way to make hot food without relying on power.
Pet food and supplies
Pets get overlooked in storm prep until it's too late. Once roads close or stores run low, finding their food or medicine becomes stressful fast.
Set aside a small emergency stash of food, water, and any medications your pets need. Treat them like part of the family plan-because they are.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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