Immediately after the announcement by Governor Lemanu Last night about the territory moving to Code Red, with government and schools shutting down, traffic was busy as people headed to stores to shop.
People were trying to beat midnight when the higher alert level went into effect.
There were crowds of people in the larger supermarkets and small village stores across the island last night.
The traffic resembled a busy shopping afternoon. Some stores were still opened close to midnight.
Shoppers were hauling off cases of water, freezer and canned foods, toiletries and baby needs such as pampers.
Gas stations also had lines of cars waiting to fill up.
While Code Red states that sea and air vessels will not be allowed, KHJ News has been informed that freighters will follow their normal schedule to bring goods in.
Store hours under Code Red are 5am to 4pm.
