Irish retailers brace themselves as ex-Hurricane Ophelia makes landfall

London - A number of Irish retailers and businesses will remain closed on Monday following a red weather warning as the country braces itself for what is said to be the worst storm in 50 years. A severe weather warning is in place for today from 6 am to 12 am as former Hurricane Ophelia hits, with retailers including Dunnes Stores, Arnotts and Penneys closing their doors for the day.

Dunnes Stores, Ireland’s largest retailer, announced it would close all its stores the country for the day on Monday to protect both its employees and shoppers. In a message posted to Twitter, the fashion and food retailer wrote: “Due to storm Ophelia – all Dunnes Stores in ROI & Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 16th October #Ophelia”

Due to storm Ophelia - all Dunnes Stores in ROI & Northern Ireland will be closed on Monday 16th October #Ophelia

— Dunnes Stores (@dunnesstores) October 15, 2017

In a separate Tweet, Dunnes Store apologised for any inconvenience caused to its customers and that it would publish any further updates via social media. In addition, the retailers noted that members of staff scheduled to work on Monday will be paid as normal and any vouchers due to expire on October 16 would be extended to October 18.

Value fashion retailer Penneys has also decided to close all its branches for the day, as well as its headoffice, tweeting the following statement: “We are closing all of our stores in the Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland and our head office today, 16th October, due to Storm Ophelia. The safety of our people and our customers is our top priority. We will re-open tomorrow, 17th October.”

Dublin department store Arnotts has also closed its doors for the day, stating the following: “Due to the adverse weather conditions Arnotts Department Store will remain closed today. Thank you, The Arnotts Team.” Luxury department store Brown Thomas has also decided to close all its branches for the day, tweeting the following:

For the safety of our team and customers, our Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway stores will remain closed today. #Ophelia

— Brown Thomas (@brownthomas) October 16, 2017

Although former Hurricane Ophelia has been officially classified as a post-tropical by the Irish National Meteorological Service, Met Eireann, hurricane strength winds are still expected to hit every country. All schools and public services are set to remain closed all day and transport services are likely to be severely disrupted.