Brooklynites got​ a head start ahead of the snowstorm by heading to grocery stores before conditions worsen.

Inside a Food World grocery store on East 108th Street and Avenue J in Canarsie, there was a steady flow of shoppers throughout the day.

Many shoppers said it wasn’t about panic buying, but about timing.

“It’s a good idea to get what you need before the storm come and you have to come out and all that mess,” said Verley Williams of Canarsie. “So I’m doing everything early, get back in and I don’t have to come out.”

Others said they were thinking beyond groceries — making sure their homes were fully ready.

“It’s going to snow, so I want to get ahead of the game,” said Bruce Barry, also of Canarsie. “Tomorrow’s going to be kind of tough. I even gassed up.”

For some families, preparation meant comfort food and staying inside.

“Basically I have everything I need,” said Sandra, who lives in the neighborhood. “I have my salt, I have my shovel and I have my son. I’m going to make some soup.”

City officials are urging New Yorkers to follow a similar approach: plan ahead, keep preparations simple and limit travel if possible as the storm moves in. A winter storm warning is in effect for New York City, with the heaviest snow expected later this evening.

If you don’t have to be on the roads, officials say staying home could help avoid difficult travel conditions.