Groceries and Gas in High Demand as Georgians Flood Lexington County Following Tropical Storm Helene

Groceries and Gas Galore in Lexington County!

If you’ve recently been in Lexington, South Carolina, you might have noticed that the local stores and gas stations are buzzing with activity. Why, you ask? Well, it seems that folks from Georgia are flocking over to the area looking for gas, groceries, and essentials following the havoc wreaked by Tropical Storm Helene. In fact, the crowds have been so intense that some brave souls have had to wait in long lines just to fill their tanks!

Not Just an Overreaction

As we chatted with residents at a local Circle K gas station on South Lake Drive, one Augusta resident shared a surprising insight. “You know, I thought everyone was overreacting at first, but then I realized people were filling up cans for generators, and it’s not an overreaction; it’s a necessity,” they said. This sentiment was echoed by many in the line, as the need for fuel becomes increasingly urgent.

The Generator Hunt

Take Aiken resident Tim Barton, for example. He traveled all the way to Lexington to secure fuel for his generator. With power still out in his home, Tim told us, “I’m getting enough fuel to run my generator because Dominion Power is telling us we are going to be out of power for at least a week.” It’s tough when you rely on electricity at home, and the realization hits that you’ll have to make such adjustments.

Grocery Dilemma

But it’s not just gas that residents from Augusta are after. Many have taken to the local supermarkets like Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement to stock up on essential items. Aiden Hager, another traveler, explained, “Gas isn’t for maybe an hour down the road; it’s hard to get gas. There are lines all the way down to the interstate!” He went on to describe the frustrating wait times that recently saw someone waiting for up to five hours just to fill up their vehicle.

Facing the Basics

Even with extended waits, residents like Cierra and Baylor found their local Kroger didn’t fare much better. “We lived two minutes away from a Kroger, and we waited in line for hours yesterday. When we went in there, there was no cold food or anything,” they shared. This experience pushed them to take the longer journey into Lexington in search of basic necessities.

Family Concerns

Others we met, like Ashley and Brandon McClain, expressed their deep concern for their family situation during this tough time. “We don’t have any power, no gas, no water, and very limited groceries in Augusta right now,” Ashley explained. With power expected to be restored only by October 5th, they’re worried about their little ones and doing their best to get by.

High Demand for Generators

Local stores like Lowe’s are also feeling the heat from this surge in demand. Reports indicate that the demand for generators is sky-high—and currently, they’re all sold out! Although they’re working hard to restock, the reality is that many families are struggling to get the equipment they need to keep the lights on and stay comfortable in these warmer days.

The Takeaway

In times of crisis, it’s heartening to see community members look out for each other, even when it requires driving a bit out of the way. With supplies dwindling and crowds swelling, hard decisions are being made. Whether it’s getting gas for generators or food to tide families over until power returns, the spirit of resilience certainly shines bright in these moments.

So if you find yourself in Lexington County, be patient and prepared. Whether it’s waiting in line for gas or braving the grocery checkout, you’re part of a community coming together in the face of adversity!