NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — As New Orleans and the surrounding area gears up for a rare winter wonderland, residents are scrambling to stock up and brace for what's to come. "I'm excited. I mean, the city is scared, but I'm ready," Zuppardo's Shopper Kenneth Licata said. "My pipes are wrapped. I have my water dripping. I checked everything I need to check. I have my car covered because last time my, cars doors froze, so this time I have it covered, so that doesn't happen." At Zuppardo's, gumbo ingredients were flying off the shelves, with dozens saying they plan to keep warm by simmering up a hot bowl. WGNO prepares for major winter weather impact "We were just getting gumbo, ingredients for gumbo. We have soup at home and I'm going to make some gumbo," Shopper Jessica H said. "We're going to cook something warm," Lisa Price said. "And I'm very excited about the snow because I would love my grandkids to get the opportunity to experience snow and make snow angels." At the gas station, there was a continuous stream of drivers rushing to fuel up. One resident said he was making sure he had enough until at least next week. "I'm filling up gas," Alex Harris said. "I'm buying water, I'm strapped up with my jacket and everything. It's always hot in Louisiana. We need some cold air." "I'm trying to get water and gas," Joesph Benedict said. "Probably then go to a gumbo shop and try to get some warm seafood." Is your car ready for the freeze? Here’s what you can do right now City leaders are pleading with residents to stock up and stay off the roads. "I would suggest stay home, because it isn't going to be fun. People already can't drive in the rain down here. So, with snow, you're really asking for trouble," Licata said. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts NOPD releases suspect vid in quadruple shooting that killed 2 Heavy snow, gusty winds to hit the northern Gulf Coast starting early Tuesday Mandeville man arrested in connection with attempted murder investigation McCollum leads Pelicans to franchise-best 25-point comeback in a 123-119 OT win over the Jazz Trump signs flurry of restrictive immigration orders on Day One