KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A winter storm in East Tennessee shut down businesses and trapped many people at home. It also delayed mail services in Knox County. Many people in the community said they hadn't received any mail for a whole week. The U.S. Postal Service said that road conditions were to blame for the delay.
"Our mail just came in yesterday for the first time in over a week," said Kith Hill, who was at the post office Monday morning.
USPS said delays were caused because of safety concerns for their drivers. It says many streets were dangerous and walkways created hazardous conditions for mail carriers.
"I want our mail service people to be safe, but it does cause an inconvenience. I think we just weren't ready for it here in Knoxville," said one woman.
Vanessa Villarreal's online business depends on her sending packages every day to people who purchase from her and said that the mail delay caused some late deliveries. She says the road conditions that created the delays were her biggest frustration.
"I was really surprised. The main roads were clear, but it looked like the side roads and neighborhoods weren't serviced at all. I live on a hill and saw so many people skidding and falling," said Villarreal.
On Monday, as temperatures rose and the sun shined, many people had the opportunity to leave their homes for the first time in around a week. Many said they're hoping business is finally back to normal.
"Everyone is coming out of hibernation. We're like Yogi Bear coming out," said Hill.