A family of five is forced to pack their minivan and evacuate their Hampton, Virginia home.

They've come to Harrisonburg seeking shelter from Hurricane Irene.

Most hotels in the area say they are booked with evacuees.

Phones have been ringing non-stop at the Holiday Inn in Harrisonburg.

"Good afternoon, thank you for calling Holiday Inn?" said the hotel receptionist after answering a call.

People are calling, looking for a room.

"We're at 100 percent how about you?" said the receptionist

Hurricane Irene is forcing many families, like the Katz from Hampton, to evacuate.

"Watching the weather tracker on line... it was a huge motivation for us to go, and the fact that we do have a family. We've got three small children," said Maria Katz.

"Gas was starting to run out at some of the gas stations.
Most stores were out of batteries, and propane tanks, big propane tanks and the little propane tanks," said Michael Katz.

The Katz were lucky to get the last reservation.

Joe Grandstaff, the manger of Holiday Inn, took extra steps to accommodate guests.

"I went out and got another van full of food this morning from our food distributor, so we would be prepared," said Grandstaff.

Other hotels and some restaurants did the same.

"When Irene started, we kind of looked over our shoulder. We didn't make any major changes or anything, but as it kept building and kept tracking this way, then we knew," said Grandstaff.

Grandstaff knew to expect an influx of travelers.

The Katz say some of their friends and neighbors decided to stay in Hampton.

"They were happy to say, 'Well, my neighbors are staying, so we're going to stay,'" said Michael Katz.

The Katz are hoping Hurricane Irene passes without doing much damage.

"(We will) assess the damage and figure out if everything we have is in our van or if we still have a house to go back to," said Michael Katz.

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