Another reason Texas grocery stores are so empty is because of power outages.
When the power goes out, and items aren't refrigerated for an hour or more, the store throws them out. My store has to throw out shelves and shelves of items that are meant to be kept cold. It has already happened to my HEB a few days ago. I was there today and the lights flickered off for about fifteen seconds but luckily came back on.
Trees near power cables aren't trimmed in expectations of ice storms in Texas the way they are in northern states, so we get more power outages as a result. Also, the trees here aren't as coniferous, they are wider and droopier and cause more outages.
Power outages don't just mess things up for grocery stores, they also cause food to spoil elsewhere or to make it impossible to transport.
So yes ice messes up grocery stores badly in texas. If you live in a state that has adapted to it then you should appreciate the perks you get and be grateful you get all that buffer space to protect your roads and grocery system from too much disruption.
You know what my family does if deep snow causes a power outage? Bury things we want kept cold in the snow.
We also will melt snow to refill the toilet so was can flush. Just like we set out buckets during hurricanes to collect water for the same reason
Oh no this freezing parciptation has cut our power and is now inches deep on the ground how ever will i keep my milk cold?
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Cid- "looks like that overgrown lobster just got served!" Bartz-"with cheese biscuts AND mashed potatoes!"