Grocery Stores Adapt Hours Amid Massive Winter Storm

As a powerful winter storm swept across the United States on January 25, 2026, millions of Americans found themselves bracing for hazardous conditions, widespread power outages, and significant disruptions to daily life. From Kentucky to Texas and up through New England, the storm’s icy grip forced residents and businesses alike to adapt quickly, especially when it came to accessing essential groceries and supplies. Despite treacherous roads and mounting warnings from officials, major grocery retailers fought to keep their doors open—albeit with significant adjustments—to serve their communities in a time of need.

According to reporting from FOX 56 in Lexington, Kentucky, some grocery stores in the state, such as the Kroger on Euclid Avenue, made a determined effort to remain open as long as possible, even as road conditions deteriorated. However, not all services were available: pharmacy and online orders were suspended, reflecting the logistical challenges posed by the storm. Meanwhile, Walmart, one of the nation’s largest retailers, prepared its stores and clubs ahead of the severe weather, focusing on ensuring that communities retained access to critical items like blankets, batteries, and other cold-weather necessities. Walmart officials emphasized, “The safety of our associates and customers remains our top priority, and we will continue to closely assess conditions and operate our facilities as long as it is safe to do so.”

Still, the storm’s impact was undeniable. By 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, six Walmart stores across Kentucky had closed, a number that would only rise as the storm intensified and moved eastward. The company’s commitment to safety was echoed in its actions: not only did Walmart provide preparedness guidance for its associates and coordinate with local law enforcement, it also worked with community and nonprofit organizations to support those most affected by the severe weather.

In Texas, the situation was similarly dynamic. As FOX 26 Houston reported, Houston-area residents facing icy roads and freezing temperatures on Sunday, January 25, could still access groceries, thanks to the adaptability of the region’s largest grocery chains. H-E-B, a Texas-based grocery giant, implemented a staggered approach to store hours, opening all Houston-area locations—including Joe V’s Smart Shop and Mi Tienda—at 8 a.m., with plans to resume normal hours the following day, weather permitting. This delay in morning opening times was a direct response to concerns about early-morning ice accumulation, which posed the greatest risk to both employees and customers.

In communities experiencing even harsher conditions, such as Carthage, Lufkin, Livingston, Crockett, and several locations in the Bryan-College Station area, Brenham, and Columbus, H-E-B stores operated under stricter limitations. These locations offered a 12-hour window for shopping, opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. on January 25. The plan was to reopen at 8 a.m. on January 26 and continue through regular closing hours, assuming roads became safer for travel.

Meanwhile, Walmart took a technology-forward approach to keeping customers informed. The company rolled out an interactive map, updated in real time, allowing shoppers to check the operational status of specific stores before venturing out. This tool proved especially valuable given that individual store managers had the flexibility to adjust hours based on localized conditions and staffing availability. Customers were advised to consult the map before attempting trips—no small thing, given the risks of ice-covered roads.

Kroger, another major player in the grocery sector, maintained standard operations across Greater Houston on January 25, but with a watchful eye on evolving conditions. According to KPRC Click2Houston, Kroger’s Greater Houston stores closed early at 8 p.m. that night due to weather concerns, with plans to resume normal hours (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.) on January 26. Kroger officials promised immediate updates should circumstances require further operational changes, urging customers to stay alert for announcements as the storm progressed.

Even as retailers strove to stay open, authorities and store officials alike urged caution. Ice-covered roads presented serious risks, and officials repeatedly encouraged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. For those who had no choice but to venture out for supplies, the advice was clear: allow extra time, drive slowly, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Store parking lots, too, could be treacherous, with ice patches creating slipping hazards for pedestrians.

Consolidating shopping trips was another key recommendation. By minimizing the number of outings, shoppers could reduce their exposure to dangerous conditions while still accessing the essentials they needed to weather the storm. The advice was as much about community safety as individual convenience—a reminder that, in times of crisis, personal responsibility and neighborly consideration go hand in hand.

The scale of the storm was staggering. As reported by USA Today, about 213 million people were under some form of winter weather warning as of Sunday morning, January 25. The number of customers without power soared past 800,000, with the figure continuing to rise as the storm pressed on. Many businesses across the country closed their doors, prioritizing the safety of workers and customers as the National Weather Service warned that “dangerous travel and infrastructure impacts” could linger for several days.

Walmart’s national response mirrored its local actions. The company stated on its website that it would “continue to closely assess conditions and operate our facilities as long as it is safe to do so.” By noon Eastern Time on January 25, a total of 263 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations were closed across more than a dozen states, a testament to the storm’s far-reaching effects. Customers nationwide were directed to a live tracker to check on store closures and hours, reinforcing the company’s emphasis on real-time communication and transparency.

Throughout the ordeal, the underlying theme was one of resilience and adaptability. Retailers large and small balanced the urgent needs of their communities with the imperative to protect employees and customers. From Kentucky to Texas and beyond, the willingness of grocery stores to adjust hours, communicate openly, and leverage technology made a tangible difference for those caught in the storm’s path.

The winter storm of January 2026 will be remembered not only for its ferocity, but also for how communities—and the businesses that serve them—rose to meet the challenge, one careful, cautious step at a time.