Louisiana Packages Delayed After Deadly Storms Rip through Tennessee

Lafayette, LA (KPEL News) - Louisiana knows well the impact spring storms can have on us. Most recently, St. Landry Parish suffered downed power lines, high water, and felled trees that required at least two weeks of cleanup. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Wednesday night (5/7), severe storms rolled through several southern states, prompting tornado warnings across North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky. One person died in North Carolina, but Tennessee was also hit hard with straight line winds and hail that killed two people. The impact of the damage there is being felt across the country today, including in Louisiana, because the FedEx hub is located in Memphis. According to a statement on the shipping company's website, the deadly storms prohibited transportation conditions. As a result, packages are delayed.

The statement, posted on Thursday, says:

 Delays are possible for package deliveries across the U.S. with a delivery commitment of Thursday, May 9. Contingency plans are in place, and we are prepared to provide the best possible service as conditions allow.

The Memphis hub of FedEx is known as the "super hub." When you track a package, you will likely notice that Memphis is a stop along the way. You can watch the explanation about the hub and spoke system that runs the operation here.

Lafayette and Louisiana businesses rely on shipping companies like FedEx every day to keep their shelves stocked with inventory and their employees equipped with the supplies they need, so the delay will be inconvenient.

The good news is that not every package will be delayed, and FedEx has provided a link so you can track your package's progress.

 For specific shipment status information, please track your shipment at fedex.com. Residential recipients can enroll in FedEx Delivery Manager to stay informed of their shipment’s progress.

In the meantime, Louisiana certainly understands the kinks severe weather can cause in the proverbial chain so, hopefully, we will put our Cajun friendliness to use in this situation. Keep our neighbors to the north in your prayers as they recover.