Shoppers rush to buy groceries, supplies ahead of winter weather

Many across central North Carolina are hitting the aisles to prepare for this winter weather.

Some customers may have spotted thin shelves as a result of labor shortages, supply chain issues, and now a potential winter storm.

Shortages depend on the item, the store, and the area they are located in.

Supply chain issues are causing major disruptions in operations, and shoppers are taking notice.

It’s why Yasmine Henneke and her friend decided to shop for winter weather essentials early.

"Certain things have been sold out," said Henneke. "We got enough to make dinner and leftovers for the next couple of days."

A mad dash for groceries at the Harris Teeter on Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh.

Other common staples, bread and milk, fully stocked at other stores, like the Food Lion on Avent Ferry Road in Raleigh.

But other items, like chicken and lunch meat appeared to be sold out at places like Walmart in Clayton.

Supply chain expert Dr Robert Handfield says part of the scarcity people are seeing on the shelves is in part due to the pandemic.

"COVID-19 is causing a lot of disruptions and a lot of people are missing work," said Handfield. "I think we’re going to see continued disruptions in 2022, until likely late 2022."

​Outside of grocery stores, there are other popular items people are flocking to find, like layers of clothing to stay warm items in the event power goes out.