Know what to buy during Virginia's annual sales tax holiday weekend

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - It's a big weekend for shopping in the commonwealth because from Friday through Sunday is the annual sales tax holiday.

A variety of items will be exempt from tax, including hurricane preparedness supplies and equipment.

Retailers say it's all about planning ahead and being prepared for any severe weather.

Shoppers have until Sunday to buy dozens of supplies and equipment without paying tax. Tarps, batteries, flashlights, generators and fire extinguishers are just some of the exempt items.

Most items needed during hurricanes or other severe weather are included in the tax-free holiday.

While some of the items may be rarely used, many say it's important to have them.

"We're not immune to the weather and it's absolutely critical. Let's hope that we don't need those and that it is certainly a supply that we would be okay if it collects dust in the cupboards, but we absolutely have to have it," said George Joyner, the manager at Wal-Mart.

Some stores also have print-outs and checklists of what's included under the hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday as well.

Click here to view the full list of qualifying hurricane preparedness items.

See what's exempt from the tax-free weekend.