The why TP is because it was big and noticeable in store. There was a chunk missing and then word got that "you need to get some before they run out" and that causes a run and the stores run out.

If you remember during the gas pipeline cyber attack. It only effected a specific area of the country SE area, but areas outside of the actual problem ran out of fuel because people heard about other stations running out and having problems. We are not good at handling stressful situations together. We turn into a "fuck you, I got mine and I might need to stockpile more for later" type of people.

Where I live grocery stores were picked clean. Honestly we started buying and stocking up as well or we'd end up with nothing.