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The Department for Infrastructure and the Met Office are warning people to take extra care later today as Storm Isha takes hold locally. The Met Office have issued an Amber wind warning from 6pm this evening 21 January to 6am tomorrow morning with a Yellow wind warning following for Monday.
Heavy rain is expected this evening then clear periods and scattered showers. It will be a very windy night with strong to gale force west or southwesterly winds, increasing severe gale for a time this evening.
With ongoing industrial action from DfI workers, road users are also advised to exercise caution as it may disrupt the Department’s response to any potential storm clear up operation. While contingency arrangements to deal with industrial action are in place, this will not replace the full maintenance service from the Department.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have closed their Parks including Slieve Gullion, Kilbroney, Castlewellan and Delamont until 12pm tomorrow.
A DfI spokesperson said "The weather conditions could lead to debris on the roads, fallen trees, flooding and spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas. Conditions could lead to traffic disruption and the public are being asked to consider their journeys and if travelling are advised to take extra care and exercise caution given the risk of obstructions on the roads. Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible - please remember not to drive through flood water."
Members of the public should continue to report incidents of flooding to the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency. Problems on the road network including obstructions should be reported at www.nidirect.gov.uk
