Hurricane Havoc: Memphis Braces for Economic Impact
MEMPHIS, Tenn. โ Itโs not just the winds and rain that we need to worry about during hurricane season; the economic toll can also be staggering. One of the deadliest hurricanes in decades is sweeping through, and experts suggest it could lead to a financial hit in the billions of dollars due to ongoing supply chain shortages.
With Hurricane Helene already causing disruptions, thereโs chatter about another potentially destructive storm, Hurricane Milton. Neely Mallory from Mallory Alexander International Logistics has quite a few concerns. He points out, โIt could impact some goods originally scheduled to go through the Port of Jacksonville or into the Port of Jacksonville, onward to Memphis.โ In simpler terms, a lot of what we might buy at our local stores could become harder to find.
Supply Chain Issues on the Horizon
As Hurricane Helene lashes through the South, it has already started blocking crucial supply routes, which has resulted in some noticeable store shortages. If Milton turns out to be as severe as Helene, we might experience delays in getting staple goods like fruits and vegetables from South America, along with other essentials like cotton and even medical-grade supplies.
โSoybeans could be impacted, too,โ Mallory warns, highlighting just how far-reaching the hurricaneโs effects could be. โPeanuts, and the things that they grow in those areas โ these commodity traders in Memphis could really feel a pinch.โ Memphis is no stranger to big-time commodities; the city is home to numerous trading companies focused on various agricultural products.
Recent Supply Snags
Things have already taken a turn for the worse after a dockworkers strike that began last week led to several stores, both locally and nationally, experiencing outages of products we often take for granted, like toilet paper. It shows us just how fragile our supply chains can be and how quickly things can change.
An alarming estimate from the Institute for Supply Management predicts that Hurricane Heleneโs damages could reach a jaw-dropping $250 billion. And sadly, that number might just keep rising. Itโs important to remember that even if the manufacturing side of things in Memphis hasnโt been disrupted just yet, the fallout could still trickle down.
Quality Control at the Port
Weโve got to think about where these products are coming from, namely the Carolinas, where a lot of paper factories and cotton crops are situated. Mallory elaborated, โAlthough their manufacturing may not have been disrupted in Memphis, those people trade commodities and have huge cotton crops in North and South Carolina and Georgia.โ This gives us an idea of the interconnectivity of our supply routes โ when one part gets affected, others inevitably follow.
As one of the largest ports in the nation, Memphis can expect to bear some level of shortages. While port representatives are currently stating that they arenโt feeling the crunch at this very moment, they are keeping close tabs on the situation. Theyโre working hard with their partners to minimize any potential disruptions for industries that heavily rely on river transport.
Stay Prepared and Informed
As we navigate through hurricane season, itโs always wise to stay prepared. The challenges posed by these natural disasters remind us how intricately linked our grocery store shelves are to weather events thousands of miles away. In Memphis, we might just be feeling the ripple effects soon, so keep an eye on the shelves and stock up on essentials!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
