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The latest storm of the winter, Storm Jocelyn is expected to bring strong winds and there is a concern that structures and trees already weakened by the storm on Sunday night could give way. A Yellow weather warning for wind is in place from 4pm today until 1pm tomorrow and as a result Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has taken the decision to close the parks at Slieve Gullion, Warrenpoint, Kilbroney, Castlewellan and Delamont from 2pm today,
Multi-agency partners including the PSNI, NIE, the Department for Infrastructure and other emergency response and public sector organisations have continued to meet and respond to the impacts of Storm Isha and to prepare for this afternoons storm.
The advice is to consider if your journey is necessary and to be aware there is a high risk of fallen trees, branches or other debris on the road. Where roads are closed people are reminded to adhere to road signs and follow any diversions in place. Ongoing industrial action may disrupt the Department’s response to the clear up operation however we will endeavour to clear roads as quickly as possible.
Agencies are still clearing up following Storm Isha on Sunday night with around 7000 customers still without electricity. You can report a power cut or any incidents of damage to the electricity network on the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. The public are reminded that they should not approach broken power lines or damaged poles or electrical equipment and to please report any damage immediately.
A number of Community Assistance Centres opened across Northern Ireland from 12 noon – 3pm for those still affected by power cuts. Teams will be on hand to provide hot drinks and information. For further details check the NIE Networks social media sites or call 03457 643 643.
Health services continue as normal across Northern Ireland. In the event of an emergency for life threatening conditions always call 999. For urgent care or minor injuries please contact your local Phone First service. There may be some delays to community care services due to ongoing road closures.
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson added "Extreme care must be taken when working with wind fallen /damaged trees, they may be unstable with the risk of crushing for people involved in cutting and removing them.
"Monitoring of river levels and tidal surges has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warnings have elapsed. Rivers teams remain on standby and have been checking and clearing drainage screens and other assets. Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations."
You can report incidents of flooding to the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Problems on the road network including obstructions should be reported at www.nidirect.gov.uk
