Severe winter weather is impacting operations across the Northeastern and North Central United States, leading to temporary closures of some retail locations and potential delays in mail and package delivery, according to the United States Postal Service and reports from optical retailers. The disruptions are occurring as snow and ice cleanup efforts continue in several states.
Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, operating as Granite Point Optical and Lor Ron Optical, announced that its Pottsville and Pottstown offices are closed due to the winter storm. Both the Pottsville and Pottstown locations of Granite Point Optical are also affected. The company stated it will provide updates as more information becomes available, and advised customers to monitor WFMZ 69 News for the latest weather updates and closure information.
However, the Wyomissing, Lebanon, and Blandon offices of Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania, along with their associated Granite Point Optical locations, remain open. This staggered impact highlights the localized nature of the storm’s effects and the varying ability of businesses to maintain operations depending on their geographic location and local conditions.
The USPS issued a broader service alert , February 14, 2026, acknowledging that severe winter weather systems are causing delays in service across a wide swath of the country. The affected states include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine. The Postal Service emphasized that safety is its top priority, both for its employees and the public, as it works to restore normal operations.
The USPS, like other logistics providers, is facing challenges due to blocked or unsafe transportation routes. The agency is requesting customers clear a path to their mailboxes to facilitate delivery, underscoring the practical difficulties faced by delivery personnel in navigating snow and ice-covered areas. Customers are encouraged to track their packages directly on the USPS website and check for service disruptions via provided links.
The impact of these disruptions extends beyond individual consumers and businesses. Delays in mail and package delivery can ripple through supply chains, affecting businesses that rely on timely receipt of goods and materials. The closure of retail locations, such as the Eye Consultants of Pennsylvania offices, directly impacts consumers seeking eye care services and optical goods. The broader economic consequences will depend on the duration and severity of the winter weather and the effectiveness of recovery efforts.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of logistics networks to extreme weather events. While the USPS and other companies have contingency plans in place, the scale and intensity of winter storms can overwhelm even the most robust preparations. The reliance on efficient transportation infrastructure makes businesses and consumers alike susceptible to disruptions when those systems are compromised.
The USPS service alert directs individuals to ready.gov and listo.gov for resources on preparing for hurricanes and severe weather. This highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, both for individuals and businesses. Preparation can range from stocking up on essential supplies to developing business continuity plans that address potential disruptions to operations.
WFMZ-TV 69News is providing ongoing coverage of school and business closings and delays in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, serving as a key source of information for residents and businesses affected by the storm. The availability of timely and accurate information is crucial for enabling informed decision-making and minimizing the disruption caused by the weather event.
The closures of the Pottsville and Pottstown locations of Granite Point Optical and Lor Ron Optical, while localized, serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing businesses in the affected regions. The ability to adapt to changing conditions and communicate effectively with customers will be critical for navigating the ongoing disruptions and minimizing the impact on operations and revenue.
