Food Lion Shutters Stores in Storm's Path

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion here said Thursday it has closed six of its stores in areas that were evacuated because of Hurricane Earl. The massive storm was expected to graze North Carolina's coastline late Thursday.

"We're also preparing our stores that are in the path," said Christy Phillips-Brown, a spokeswoman for the chain, a division of Brussels-based Delhaize Group. "We have processes in place to make sure we are ready," and also to respond in the event of power outages and damage after the storm hits, she added.

She said customers have been buying ice, canned foods, bread, meats, charcoal and batteries, and that the stores have been able to accommodate demand.