NC winter storm causing supply chain delays across the Triangle

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The winter storm that swept across the region is impacting the supply chain, with experts saying travel disruptions and delivery delays are creating the biggest challenges.

Before the storm arrived, shoppers rushed to grocery stores across the Triangle, clearing shelves as they stocked up on essentials. While many local stores are already being restocked, experts say other areas could see longer-lasting effects from the storm.

Thousands of flights canceled over the past three days are expected to impact not only travelers but also deliveries nationwide.

"FedEx and UPS have shut down a lot of their flights," said Robert Handfield, a professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University. "Delta Airlines has put embargoes on some specialty services, and United Airlines is rejecting cargo."

Handfield says icy road conditions are another major factor that could disrupt deliveries for several days.

"If you're expecting an Amazon shipment or something, it's probably going to be a couple of days late," Handfield said. "Same thing with any overnight packages. They're going to hold them at the facility and not deliver them if the roads are too dangerous. They're not going to put their drivers at risk on icy roads."

As for grocery stores in the Triangle that were left with empty shelves due to pre-storm panic buying, Handfield says restocking is already well underway.

"They have replenishment teams working right now," he said. "If you go to the stores, they're frantically restocking shelves. Shipments are coming in daily or even hourly, so we're going to restock fairly quickly."

Publix tells ABC11 they don't expect any supply issues in Triangle stores, as a representative said, "In prep for weather events like this, we have adjusted our production and truck delivery schedules for items we produce and manufacture like water and milk to reflect the demand. Our top priority is the safety of our associates, customers, and communities, and Publix will continue to make round the clock product deliveries as long as it is safe to do so. We have strong relationships with our suppliers and with the Greensboro Distribution Center nearby, we don't anticipate any issues."

As to whether this winter storm will have an impact on your wallet? Handfield says, "It could potentially. You know, the biggest issue is going to be delivery delays and so forth. For some people who work in the logistics industry, they have to stay home. They may lose some of their paycheck. I don't expect that costs will go up too much again, except for those regions that have had big power outages."

Handfield adds that consumers and companies alike are becoming more accustomed to supply chain disruptions. He says most companies now have contingency plans in place, including remote work options, and that supply delays have become part of the new normal.

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