Update: Town Getting Gas Pains, Shelter Opening, Parking Ban Being Enforced

Watch out, as Hurricane Irene gets closer, gas supplies could be dwindling.

That was the case this morning at the Citgo station on Route 83. Cars pulling in at 10:30 a.m. were greeted with apologetic signs indicating only regular grade was available.

Minutes later, the pumps lost pressure.

The tanks were empty.

Up the road a bit, Dania Food Mart still had gas. Owner Mohammed Shoaib said the supply was still decent.

Customers at the Windsorville Road Stop & Shop had plenty of staples to choose from at about 11 a.m. The bottled water supply even spilled into the aisles.

The store was crowded, but orderly, as most windows were attended by clerks and hustling baggers.

Meanwhile, the town is opening an emergency shelter in preparation for Hurricane Irene, Mayor Jason McCoy said.

The shelter will be located in the auditorium at Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Rd. The shelter will open at 6 p.m.

“As we continue to make preparations for Hurricane Irene, it is imperative that we take all scenarios into account, including the need for shelter,” McCoy said. “Rockville High School will afford a welcome refuge for residents in need of a safe and dry place."

As the storm approaches Vernon town officials we will continue to assess the need for additional shelters,'' McCoy said.

Due to the impending storm, McCoy has announced that the town will institute a parking ban on all state and local roads, effective at 6 p.m.

The parking ban will remain in effect until Tuesday, McCoy said.

Vehicles in violation of the parking ban will be ticketed and/or towed at the discretion of the Vernon Police Department, the mayor said.

McCoy made the announcement after a second meeting with department heads and emergency response officials at the Public Safety Building, as the town continues civil preparedness exercises for the upcoming storm.

As part of its emergency preparedness plan, town officials  are looking for volunteers to help both during the storm and in the cleanup efforts afterward.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Diane Wheelock, executive assistant to the mayor, at dwheelock@vernon-ct.gov. The town's  Emergency Response Center will be set up on Sunday and will be operating out of the public safety complex, next to the police station, on West Road.