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The Met Office and Met Éireann have issued a Red Weather Warning for the entire island of Ireland for a period tomorrow as a result of Storm Éowyn and residents are being asked to take the warning seriously.
In the Newry area the Red wind warning is from 7am to 2pm tomorrow Friday 24 January. There's expected to be widespread disruption with a risk to life from flying debris and falling trees, potential structural damage as well as roads, bridges and railway lines closed. Power outages are also expected and all schools have been advised to close. There will be many delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights. Keep a check on up to date weather warnings via your usual apps or the Met Office or Met Éireann
Council Services Closed
All Newry, Mourne and Down District Council services will be closed throughout Friday including Forest Parks and Parks, bin collections, Leisure Centres, Council Offices and grounds maintenance and building maintenance works will be stood down.
The Met Office say southwesterly then westerly winds will rapidly increase from west to east during the Friday morning rush hour with peak gusts of 80-90 mph fairly widely and perhaps up to 100 mph along some exposed coasts. Winds will gradually ease from the south as Friday afternoon progresses.
As well as the Red wind warning there is an Amber wind warning from 6am to 9pm tomorrow Friday and a Yellow wind warning in place for the whole of Friday.
The strong winds could also lead to spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas, as well as disruption to travel including public transport, ferries and flights. Rain and snow associated with Storm Éowyn is also expected in the early hours of Friday, which could lead to surface water forming by morning. Flooding of coastal roads is also possible.
Storm Monitoring
Multi-agency preparations are underway to respond to any impacts as a result of Storm Éowyn. The Department for Infrastructure’s roads and rivers teams have been checking and clearing road gullies and other drainage and infrastructure and have additional staff on standby to respond to incidents.
Monitoring of river levels and sea levels has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warning has elapsed.
Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations.
Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at: Strong winds weather warning - information and advice
It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place. Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt and never drive through flood water.
Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatchNI
You can report an obstruction at: Report an obstruction on a road or street | nidirect or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.
To report incidents of flooding, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency.
The power of water is often on show during a storm as waves crash against harbour walls, piers and cliffs. It looks spectacular but surges can easily sweep a person off their feet. All it takes is one wave to drag you out to sea – a dramatic photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life. If you see someone get carried away by a wave, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.
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 check for updates at Powercheck NI (powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk) and report the fault online or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.
Translink advises passengers to check its Journey Planner or Translink social media channels in advance of travel, and to allow extra time for their journeys.
