Part of the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland was closed down this after as Storm Malik hit the North East and other parts of the UK.
The arrived in the North East during the early hours of the morning, bringing with it brutal high-speed winds and disruption.
And alike the previous Storm Arwen which graced the region in November 2021, the most recent storm has caused disruption across the North East - will various trees being felled, the Tyne and Wear Metro Service being cancelled completely, and power outages across the region once again being reported.
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With high-speed winds battering the North East heavily, management staff at the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland decided to close a portion of the mall down this afternoon, after facing problems of their own with regards to structures.
Shoppers were evacuated around mid-day according to reports from staff, with part of the centre staying closed for the remainder of the day.
The rooftop car park above the old Debenhams site and Level 4 of the multistory car park were also subsequently closed amidst safety concerns.
The centre announced the evacuation and partial closure on their official Facebook page just after 1pm, writing: "Due to the high winds today, we have taken the decision to partially evacuate and close the centre.
"Everywhere, with the exception of the Crowtree Mall is currently closed to the public. Entry to the Crowtree Mall and some retailers is accessible, however it's best to check with individual retailers.
"Additionally, the Rooftop Car Park and Level 4 of the Multistorey Car Park are also closed.
"The safety of our shoppers and staff is paramount and we encourage everyone to stay safe."
And as centre managers began to gauge the safety levels throughout the centre, more portions of the Bridges itself began to open back up - with only a stretch remaining cordoned off.
The centre posted an update around half an hour after their initial post, adding: "We're pleased to let you know that part of the centre has been reopened.
"Caffe Nero, Brougham Street and Primark entrances are now accessible. This means that from HMV leading to Ann Summers is not accessible.
"Everyone's safety comes first, thank you."
And many were confused at the evacuation process as it was taking place - with shop workers and staff throughout the centre curious as to why the event was taking place.
One of whom was 27-year-old Store Supervisor, Lori Drinkald, who was half-way through her shift at one the Bridges' many stores, when the announcement came through.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, she said: "At around 12 o'clock the fire alarms went off, and it was like a proper evacuation.
"So we evacuated out the back and then we got a message from the centre management team basically saying that staff could stay in their units - and it was just customers that needed to be evacuated.
"We heard that there were issues with the high winds, and that it was for customer safety more than anything."
She also spoke of how her segment of the shopping centre were the first to re-open after the incident.
Lori added: "Then we re-opened - the top end from Debenhams to Starbucks got back up and running at about half past twelve.
"There was quite a delay between us opening back up and the rest of the centre. Caffe Nero probably opened an hour or so after us and I think that the bit down by near Primark has just opened recently."
Signs were also put up on the grey shutters situated at the Westernmost part of the centre, informing customers about the issue, reading: "This entrance is currently closed for your safety.
"Your nearest accessible entrances are Primark and Brougham Street. The safety of our shoppers and staff is priority and we thank you for understanding."
For more updates on Storm Malik, why not check out our live blog, here.
