FedEx Express warned that package delivery delays are possible throughout the U.S. after severe weather impacted a key facility in Memphis, Tennessee, according to a service alert issued Thursday.
The National Weather Service reported a severe thunderstorm in the Memphis area early Thursday morning, which featured 70 mile-per-hour wind gusts. The inclement weather "created hazardous operating conditions" at the FedEx Express World Hub, the center of its network's hub-and-spoke system, the service alert said.
"Delays are possible for package deliveries across the U.S. with a delivery commitment of Thursday, May 9," according to the alert. "Contingency plans are in place, and we are prepared to provide the best possible service as conditions allow."
FedEx also warned of potential delays for inbound and outbound shipments across portions of Michigan following a tornado outbreak in the state that damaged a company facility in Portage. The BBC reported that dozens of people had to be rescued from the building after it partially collapsed.
"Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our team members, and we are grateful that there were no serious injuries resulting from the damage to our Kalamazoo station," FedEx said.
Kalamazoo and Battle Creek are among the Michigan cities with limited Express and Ground services as of Thursday.
Shipments delayed by bad weather aren't eligible for a refund or credit under the company's money-back guarantee policy.
As of Thursday afternoon, UPS did not list any service alerts related to severe weather in Tennessee or Michigan on its website.
