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Will Midwest storm delay shipment of on-line purchases?

By WKTV News

Story Created: Dec 21, 2012 at 2:26 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 21, 2012 at 2:26 PM EDT

NEWS YOU CAN USE(WKTV) - A record number of Americans ordered holiday gifts on-line after retailers flooded their in-boxes with offers of extra discounts, free shipping and easy returns.

But a storm bringing snow to much of the Midwest on Thursday - the heaviest shipping day of the year - means some packages might not make it under the tree in time for Christmas.

No major disruptions have been reported so far.

Wal-Mart said no orders have been delayed.

GSI Commerce, which handles on-line shipping for 70 retailers, said it is monitoring the situation hour-by-hour. So far, deliveries are on time.

Still, the storm's timing couldn't be worse for the world's largest package delivery company, UPS.

Your hope for getting packages by Christmas now if you still haven't clicked the "order" button: Fedex Express.

The deadline is Saturday for purchases to arrive by Christmas from that service.

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