Snowstorm delays USPS service, frustration grows among residents

ST. LOUIS - Days after the major snowstorm, St. Louis residents are still waiting for mail delivery, raising concerns of delayed essential packages and mail. 

At the Olivette Post Office, many residents showed up with the hopes of picking up packages and letters after not receiving anything since the weekend’s snowstorm. Instead, some found the post office had closed earlier than its posted hours.

“We haven’t gotten mail for the past few days. We have a lot of snow in our apartment complex. So, I don’t think they’ve been able to get their truck in and out. It’s completely understandable in my opinion that they’ve been experiencing delays. It’s just kind of rough," customer Red Pendragon said. 

With bills, checks, and medications delayed, frustration is growing. While some residents understand the challenges, others call the situation a major inconvenience.

“I think that at least you should be able to come to the post office, but closing the post office and not having any mail delivered—that's kind of a big inconvenience," customer Phyllis Jones added. 

USPS emphasized that snow and ice create dangerous conditions for carriers and urged customers to clear sidewalks, stairs, porches, and mailboxes to help maintain service.

A customer stated, “I went through my whole neighborhood. There’s no mail truck whatsoever. None. Zero. I got an important document I need to get back to the people by Friday. I’m not going to make it now."

A USPS strategic communications manager said they are working as quickly as possible under the challenging conditions, thanking customers and local transportation departments for their patience and efforts.

Regular mail delivery will be suspended on Thursday, Jan. 9, for a national day of mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter.

Mail delivery will resume Friday, Jan. 10.