**Tesco Closes All Dumfries and Galloway Stores as Storm Eowyn Hits**
Tesco stores across Dumfries and Galloway have been forced to close their doors as Storm Eowyn wreaks havoc in the region. The supermarket chain has also suspended all home delivery and click-and-collect orders for the day. Joining Tesco in the closures, Morrisons and Halfords have also shut down their branches in Dumfries, with the Loreburn Shopping Centre in the town also ceasing operations. The closures are in response to a red weather warning issued by the Met Office, predicting wind gusts of up to 100mph.
A significant number of Tesco outlets, including three in Dumfries and stores in Annan, Lockerbie, Lochmaben, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright, and Stranraer, are affected by the closures. In an email to customers, Tesco stated, “Due to red weather warnings and to ensure the safety of our colleagues and customers, Tesco stores in your area will be closed on Friday, January 24. This means home delivery and click-and-collect orders scheduled for Friday from these stores will be cancelled. Our stores will reopen when the red warning is lifted in your area and it’s safe to do so.”
Morrisons in Dumfries aims to reopen by 6pm, with Halfords following suit. The Loreburn Shopping Centre is expected to remain closed for the entirety of Friday. Aldi stores within the red weather warning area are also affected by the closures. The red warning is anticipated to last until 5pm on Friday, with social media suggesting that Tesco stores may reopen at 6pm.
In summary, Storm Eowyn has forced several major retailers and shopping centres in Dumfries and Galloway to close as a precautionary measure due to the severe weather conditions. Residents are urged to stay safe and heed all official warnings and updates as the storm progresses.