Two major retailers, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, have been forced to close stores across Scotland due to a rare Met Office red weather warning for wind.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of red warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.”
Tesco stores in areas expected to be hit by a 100mph tempest between 10am and 5pm will be closed.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s announced it will close stores in significantly impacted areas of Scotland between 7am and 6pm to “ensure safety of customers and colleagues”.
Through messages and emails, Tesco customers have been informed that stores in their area will be closed on Friday, January 24, with all home deliveries and click-and-collect services cancelled. Areas affected include Ayrshire, Glasgow and Stirling.
The supermarket giant has urged shoppers to monitor its website for updates on opening times and apologised for any inconvenience.
Sainsbury’s has halted online grocery deliveries, on-demand services, and Fast Track deliveries for Scotland until the weather improves. The retailer will personally contact customers affected by the cancellations of grocery online orders and Fast Track orders to extend an apology for any inconvenience.
A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s emphasised safety as their top priority: “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our colleagues and customers.”
They also expressed understanding of potential inconveniences, stating: “We understand this decision may be inconvenient to some of our customers and we hope they understand.”
