Tri-state region and Midwest deal with salt shortage as they prepare for a snowstorm

Salt Shortages as Winter Storm Approaches Tri-State Area

Towns across the tri-state region and Midwest are grappling with significant salt shortages as they gear up for winter storm Fern.

People reported a lack of road salt and rock salt, essential for treating sidewalks and driveways, on Saturday, with issues noted particularly in parts of Vermont, New Jersey, and upstate New York.

“We manage about 500 miles of roads here, but we’re down to under 500 tons of salt, so right now we’re mainly focusing on intersections,” explained the mayor of Piscataway, New Jersey. It’s a tough situation, as they can only do so much.

Local governments often depend on private contractors for salt supplies. However, low inventories have pushed them to the back of the line for deliveries, according to the mayor. “First, it’s the state’s needs, then the county’s, and only after that do we get a look,” Waller mentioned.

In Cleveland, up to 30 inches of snow is expected, a forecast complicated by supply delays from Cargill, a provider contracted by the state. The city reported that its order for salt came as early as August, but unfortunately, some of it hasn’t shown up yet.

“Because of the limited supply, we will clear all roads but will prioritize major routes, hills, key intersections, and areas close to hospitals and schools,” the city stated.

Cargill has indicated it’s working hard to ensure salt availability in the most needed areas.

Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s in parts of New York and Pennsylvania are also experiencing low stock or even empty shelves when it comes to road salt.

This shortage can be attributed to a particularly severe early winter in various regions of the U.S. that has brought substantial snowfall.

The tri-state area is preparing for at least 9 inches of snow beginning Sunday, in what looks like a cold snap that might stick around for another week.

New York City’s Mayor Zoran Mamdani mentioned that over 2,000 sanitation workers will be on duty for 12-hour shifts to tackle the storm. He emphasized the city’s readiness, saying, “Once the snow starts falling, we immediately apply salt and kick off our snow removal efforts.”