"I'm thinking people who laugh at how everyone panics at a bit of snow, and look how it didn't affect anything, don't live rurally." Definitely and don't give a shit about those that do! The one good thing that may come out of any shortages will be that these people MAY have more understanding and sympathy for those of us that experience difficulties almost annually.
PrettyBird - I'm "down the road" from you on the west coast most if not all our supplies come via glasgow, we weren't back to "normal" here for I think 5 weeks!
All those talking about buying local - the reason I and others like me DON'T buy local is because we can't afford to! And if we can't afford it now it's highly unlikely we'll be able to when prices increase due to increased demand!
Plus British farmers etc aren't anywhere near able to provide enough for the whole country - they've been trying to tell the govt this for months!
"I'm slowly stocking up each week. Staples but also things that are imported and could get expensive. Coffee, sugar, wine, tuna etc" almost everything is imported or contains imported ingredients. Seriously read more on the likely products affected.
Ngaio2 - in recent months govt has STARTED to clear spaces - old govt buildings, derelict closed armed forces based, unused tube stations, but they've been told by the experts there's a strong element of too little too late!
Industry insiders were telling them they needed to do this as soon as the result came in and again when art 50 was triggered and they were ignored largely.
"Pasta, tins etc probably won't be badly affected because companies can stock pike those in advance, it's the fresh stuff that will be a problem." The major supermarkets have said they can't stockpile much as they haven't the buying power or the storage. Just like us if they haven't the wherewithal to buy up they can't, and sellers are going to be nervous they won't get paid.
"OP - I will make sure I have enough in to tide me over for a week or so" based on the experience earlier in year with weather I reckon a month to 6 weeks is more realistic.
I have OCD so that's why this is front of my mind but I'm also trying to slowly build a stock of cleaning materials.
Beaverhausen - difference is SA had then rest of continent of Africa to trade with who generally produce cheap goods and they were your near neighbours so no high transport costs.
REALLY don't think trump will come to our rescue! Certainly not without charging black market prices (and thus following in his fathers footsteps!) Canada and Australia maybe.
Why? The world still turn. Anyone remember new year eve 1999! on EVERY brexit thread - that didn't happen by fucking fairies and unicorns either - there were IT and infrastructure experts working on that for YEARS