MetService Georgina Griffiths gives us an update on storm's trajectory.
Scenes of chaos can be seen at supermarkets throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty as Cyclone Cook bears down on New Zealand.
People were packing their trolleys with non-perishables, food, and bottled water ahead of the forecast weather event expected to bring power cuts, road closures,slips and flooding to the Bay area.
People were also stocking up for the long Easter weekend, resulting in long queues for the checkout at local supermarkets and barely any car parks available.
A reporter at Pak'n Save Papamoa was topping up on groceries about midday and said the store was "chocka" but she only waited about 15 minutes to get to the checkout.
"People were polite, so [it was] not an awful trip. Did notice bottled water going into trolleys, along with the usual items, plus Easter chocolate."
People were packing their trolleys with non-perishables, food, and bottled water at Papamoa Pak'n Save and other Bay of Plenty supermarkets. Photo/Supplied.
She said store employees were in aisles restocking shelves, so when it came time to grab things such as bread, it was actually there.
Other people have reported travelling to multiple supermarkets but not being able to find car parks.
One Tauranga woman said she drove to three supermarkets and could not find a park.
