MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Some locals are stocking their pantries before the frigid weather moves in.

FOX10 News caught up with some shoppers at Rouses who say they’re buying as much warm food as possible so they can hunker down.

“I’m preparing chili and chicken soup and some things to keep us to get through the cold weather. I don’t want to get out in it,” said one shopper.

Right now, hot chocolate, broth, soups and handwarmers are some of the hottest items sitting on the shelves at the Rouses on Old Shell Road in Mobile. Employees were busy restocking the shelves Friday afternoon.

“Buying whatever is on sale, making sure we have enough water, and something to cook,” said a shopper.

Many shopping carts were loaded with items like eggs, bottled water and lots of ground beef for chili. For many people, the looming forecast is a reminder of cold days gone by.

“It’s been at least 15, 20 years ago since I experienced cold weather in Mobile. I remember the streets iced over but it’s been quite awhile,” one person said.

“2008. Back home in New Orleans in 2008 so that taught me a lesson about being ready,” added another.

Others say they haven’t seen snow before and are anxious for a snow day.

While temperatures this cold are few and far between, many people say living on the Gulf Coast has taught them to be prepared no matter what comes.

“As a matter of fact, you don’t have to get prepared if you stay prepared,” said one shopper. “So I always have water and batteries and stuff- I keep that in the house. I want to tell everybody to relax, don’t be in a rush and watch out for that black ice.”

Rouses is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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