Gas Stations Run Dry As Blizzard Pounds Tri-State

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Reminiscent of the days after Superstorm Sandy, many gas stations around the region ran dry Friday as drivers rushed to fill up their tanks and gas cans.

In New York, gas lines quickly grew at several stations while drivers searched for fuel.

"I think everybody is trying to take whatever precautions necessary to avoid another devastation," said Long Beach resident Michelle Ginsberg.

Douglas Beman of Greenburgh was thinking of Sandy as he filled his Tahoe and a 5-gallon gas can at a Mobil station.

"Sandy taught me this lesson,'' he said. "Stock up on gasoline.''

But some drivers had a hard time finding stations that were still open.

"Two gas stations have been closed already and this is the third one we're coming to and obviously there's a line," Carol Kerr, who was waiting at a Hess station in Long Beach, told CBS 2's Tony Aiello.

In New Jersey, Englewood resident Courtney Hannah filled up her SUV twice after learning the hard way during Sandy that it's better to be safe than sorry.

"I was stranded for days and I can't go through it again," Hannah said.

Others had the same mindset.

"We've had it with these storms. Let's just make sure we're really prepared," a woman said at the Pilot Station on Route 17 in Mahwah.

In Connecticut, some stations, like in Torrington, West Hartford, Vernon, East Lyme and others, have been without gas since Thursday.

But officials said there is no reason to panic.

"All indications are the gas supply is plentiful and deliveries will not be disrupted," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Have you had a hard time finding gas? Let us know below...

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