CAMDEN—An epic blizzard of what news outlets are calling “historic” proportions is barreling up the coast tonight—and Mainers are not fooling around.

As of 3 p.m., the parking lot of Hannaford Supermarket in Camden was jammed right full, and the shelves that contained gallons of water were completely cleared out. “It’s been slammed,” said store manager Ben Convery. “The usual things, milk, eggs, bread, water. Everyone’s thinking about if they’ll lose power, so they’re getting stocked up.”

After food and water come the practicalities. Jacob Veilleux, a cashier at EBS, said, “The people have definitely been coming in for shovels, for some kindling, and a lot of batteries,” he said. “A lot of batteries.”

While some folks spent the better part of their afternoon chopping wood and stacking it, the fuel companies were busier than normal handling last minute orders. “We have definitely been getting a lot of calls today,” said a representative for Maritime Energy.

People bracing for high winds to knock out the power have already thought ahead about what can entertain them by candlelight and by limited reserve battery power. At the Rockport Public Library, Ben Blackman, Deputy Director, said, “Oh it’s been busy. They’re trying to get videos or books they’ve already ordered that won’t be coming in tomorrow. They’re just stocking up.” For those who don’t have a Rockport Public Library card, the lobby offers free donated magazines and several racks of paperbacks at .50 each.

“We’ve been slammed all day,” said Lynn Mayberry, a clerk at Harbor Audio Video, “As far as I know we’re just planning on being closed tomorrow. “Any movies that are due back tomorrow, no need to bring back,” she said.

At Maritime Farms convenience store, it was like a scene out of The Day After Tomorrow. The lines for gas were two-three cars deep with some people getting repeatedly edged out by others cutting in line and foot traffic going through the store at a steady pace. At 4:15 p.m. Maritime Farms was out of gas. Circle K in Rockport had some gas left, and motorists were flocking there.  “After work, we’re going to be seeing a lot of people stocking up on alcohol,” said one of the clerks.

Get out that winter copy of The Wave in which we tell you how to keep sane during a power outage!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com