Supermarket shortage fears as Queensland cyclone sparks panic-buying

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred nears landfall, fears are growing over supermarket supply shortages, with severe weather threatening to disrupt transport and logistics.

Shelves are already bare as panic-buying sets in, but Ritchies IGA boss, Fred Harrison said this time, thankfully, supermarkets are prepared.

"We were given a little bit of notice this was going to happen, so at the moment we are able to get deliveries all the way up the coast," he told Today.

READ MORE: Karl goes out with a bang for last night in Vegas

"So I would think today and tomorrow will be critical in ensuring stock levels are built back up, trucks are working virtually 24/7 and I know IGA is filling all their stores and no doubt Coles, Woolies and Aldi will be doing likewise."

Harrison said he is confident there will be a good supply of stock back on shelves in the coming days, but there are particular items the masses are really stocking up for in their panic-buying.

"Yesterday we did see quite a bit of panic buying, our sales in most of our stores doubled yesterday, which is significant," he said.

"So expect the same today, tomorrow, but we are able to get meat produce up the coast and that's I think the main lines that people are looking for.

"The old perennial favourites, toilet rolls are in a bit of shortage, that seems to fire up these events and bottled water has been a bit of an issue as as well."

Hear more from Fred Harrison in the video above