Shoppers in parts of Scotland have been confronted by bare supermarket shelves as a major snow storm sweeps across the UK. Customers at Tesco and Co-op stores in Stonehaven reported critical shortages of essential items, with supplies of bread, milk, and fresh produce completely wiped out.
Shelves 'Obliterated' by Panic Buying and Weather Chaos
Local reports describe a scene of empty aisles, with staples like bread, milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables, and meat all but gone. One resident told the Press and Journal that the fresh food sections had been 'obliterated' by a combination of adverse weather and consequent panic buying. The situation has left many uncertain about their next meal.
"There’s no bread. No milk. I don’t even know what I’m going to have for my tea tonight," said Stonehaven resident Judith Pullar. Visitor Mairi McDonald echoed the sentiment, stating, "There’s no bread. There’s no vegetables and there’s no fruit really." She resorted to buying processed food and ready meals, adding pragmatically, "It’s food."
Widespread Disruption Across Transport Networks
The supply chain issues coincide with significant travel disruption caused by the severe winter weather. While yellow weather warnings for ice have expired across much of England, Wales, and southern Scotland, Northern Ireland remains under a warning until 11am on 7th January 2026.
More critically, a yellow warning for snow and ice covers the north and north-east of Scotland until 11:59pm tonight. The Met Office has also issued further warnings for wind in south-west England and for snow in central England and Wales from tomorrow evening.
Police forces have reported numerous incidents on treacherous roads. West Midlands Police noted a "number of reports of collisions" due to icy conditions, while Leicestershire Police warned that many roads were "very dangerous," having received several crash reports.
Residents Adapt as Fresh Food Runs Short
Faced with empty shelves, shoppers in Aberdeenshire have been forced to adapt. One customer lamented the lack of fresh vegetables, saying they "ended up buying tins of things." Another shopper at the Tesco in Inverurie confirmed the bread aisle was also completely empty there.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of supply chains to extreme weather events. While the disruption is significant, locals are demonstrating resilience, making do with available alternatives as the country weathers the storm.
