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After around 12hrs of strong winds in Newry, much of it gale force, Storm Éowyn has in the main passed on towards Scotland. Little sleep was got in many households overnight with wind gusts of 82mph noted in the city.
Overall Newry appears to have weathered the storm fairly well, although there was damage to a roof in Edward Street with a flat extensively damaged, though thankfully no one was injured. Debris was strewn over the road for a period of time but is now clear.
Trees were brought down at Daisy Hill Hospital, Rathfriland Road, Armagh Road, Camlough Road, Newtownhamilton Road, Mullaghbawn, Forkhill and many other routes. Following the end of the 2pm Red Weather Warning some have already been removed but motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and drive with caution. Power cuts are also widespread though much of Newry survived intact. Traffic lights at the Patrick Street/ Francis Street junction were also brought down. Newry City Football Club also suffered damage and hoarding at Catherine Street fell foul of the storm. Many homes also lost roof tiles overnight.
Since midnight last night more than 1,827 obstructions on the road network have been reported to the Department of Infrastructure throughout the north including 873 on our motorways and class A, B and C roads.
Given the extent of disruption across the road network it will take time to clear and get all roads open as normal again. Staff are on standby to respond to incidents, but their response time is being affected by the adverse conditions and incidents will have to prioritised accordingly.
Road users should pay heed to 'road closed' signs as these warnings are intended to keep the travelling public safe.
A yellow weather warning is also in place for snow and ice between 7pm tonight and 10am tomorrow morning and the ongoing storm clear up may disrupt the Department's delivery of the winter service. While efforts will be made to salt the main strategic road network their ability to do so may be impeded by blocked roads and difficult conditions so please continue to consider if your journey is necessary and if you must travel please exercise extreme caution, stay on the main strategic network where possible and be mindful of changing conditions as roads which are normally gritted might not be. Updates will be provided once the situation has been assessed further.
NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear of any damaged electricity equipment and report it immediately to the Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. Members of the public should never approach a broken pole or electricity line.
Should customers experience a power cut they can report the fault and check for updates at Powercheck NI (powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk)
