Winter Storm Triggers Store Closures And Rush For Supplies

As a fierce winter storm swept across the American South and portions of the Midwest over the weekend of January 24-25, 2026, communities from Nashville to Houston and Lexington found themselves grappling with icy roads, store closures, and a rush for basic necessities. The impact was immediate and widespread, prompting major retailers and local businesses alike to alter their operations in response to hazardous conditions and mounting public safety concerns.

In Nashville, Tennessee, the snowfall began early on Saturday, quickly transforming the city’s normally bustling corridors into slick, treacherous stretches. According to WZTV, by 1:30 p.m., a patchwork of open and shuttered businesses lined Charlotte Pike, one of the city’s main arteries. While stalwarts like Target, Costco, Kroger, and Waffle House kept their doors open, a host of others—including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Marshalls, and several popular eateries—chose to close temporarily as conditions worsened. The National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings for Middle Tennessee, forecasting a relentless mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected to linger into Sunday. Motorists were cautioned to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, with Charlotte Pike singled out as especially hazardous.

Yet, as some businesses closed, others soldiered on. The likes of Longhorn Steakhouse, Panda Express, and Las Palmas Restaurant continued serving customers, even as snow piled up outside. For many Nashvillians, the decision of whether to venture out for supplies or hunker down at home became a delicate balance between necessity and risk. Local news outlets such as FOX 17 News pledged ongoing updates, highlighting the fluid nature of the crisis as the storm progressed.

Farther south, in Houston, Texas, the winter weather’s reach was just as disruptive. H-E-B, a beloved Texas grocery chain, announced on Sunday morning that its Houston-area stores would open two hours later than usual, at 8 a.m., to allow for safer travel and restocking. Locations in Brenham, Bryan, College Station, and other cities hit hard by snow and ice also saw their hours adjusted. "Our stores continue to receive deliveries, and our Partners are restocking shelves throughout the day," H-E-B said in a statement on Saturday, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Kroger, another grocery giant, opted to close all of its Houston area stores at 8 p.m. on Sunday—three hours earlier than the usual 11 p.m.—with plans to resume standard hours the following day. "We will continue to monitor the weather throughout the weekend to support our communities with keeping our stores open," Kroger said, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to both employee safety and customer access.

For Houstonians, the approach of the storm triggered a familiar response: a rush to stock up on essentials. On Saturday, residents braved cold rain and crowded aisles to fill carts with water, toilet paper, and food. Ronald Barrera, 33, captured the mood succinctly as he loaded two cases of bottled water into his pickup outside an H-E-B in Montrose: "Whatever they had, I just picked it up." Barrera noted that the stores had already been "jammed up" the previous day by crowds eager to prepare for the coming cold snap.

Grocery delivery drivers, too, saw a surge in demand. Rivaldo Barrera, 23, an Uber driver, described a significant uptick in delivery orders since Wednesday, mostly for staples like water, milk, and eggs. "But at H-E-B, Randalls, Kroger ... there's nothing at the stores," he observed, echoing widespread reports of empty shelves on social media. One frustrated shopper posted, "Yall bought up every damn item out of the grocery store, and the storm isn’t even supposed to be bad in Houston."

Not everyone was panic buying, however. Some residents, like Rice University student Ravi Nguyen, were simply shopping for the weekend, with a pragmatic nod to the weather: "I did get some breakfast stuff so I know I'll have food for the rest of the weekend." For others, like Paula Alleman, a 55-year-old nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital, the grocery run was a necessity. Called in for a three-day emergency shift, Alleman stocked up on food, water, and toiletries to see her through the long hours at work. "I'm bringing my own food, snacks, water, toiletries," she explained. "It's different when you go into a work setting ... all the stuff I had at home, the jugs of water, I can't bring into work."

Meanwhile, in Lexington, Kentucky, the storm’s effects were equally pronounced. FOX 56 reported that despite official warnings and worsening road conditions, some grocery stores fought to remain open throughout the weekend. The Kroger on Euclid Avenue, for example, pledged to stay open as long as possible, though it suspended pharmacy and online orders due to the weather. Walmart, another major retailer, took a proactive approach, preparing stores and clubs to provide essential items like blankets and batteries. "Ahead of the severe winter weather, we’ve been preparing our stores and clubs to help ensure our communities have access to essential items like blankets, batteries, and other cold-weather necessities. We’re also supporting our associates with preparedness guidance, working closely with local law enforcement, and partnering with community and nonprofit organizations to support those who may be most impacted. 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," Walmart officials said in a statement.

Despite these efforts, not all stores could weather the storm. As of 7 p.m. Saturday, six Walmart locations across Kentucky had closed, according to the company’s online tracker. The closures underscored the difficult choices facing both businesses and consumers: balancing the need for essential goods with the imperative of safety during a severe weather event.

Throughout the region, the response to the winter storm was marked by a blend of caution, resilience, and community spirit. Retailers worked overtime to keep shelves stocked and doors open where feasible, while local authorities and weather services provided ongoing updates and warnings. Residents, for their part, adapted as best they could—some preparing for days indoors, others braving the elements for work or to help neighbors in need.

As the snow and ice slowly recede, the weekend stands as a testament to the challenges and adaptability of communities facing nature’s unpredictability. The storm may have shuttered stores and emptied shelves, but it also revealed the determination of those committed to keeping daily life moving, even when the weather has other plans.