Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Tuesday 9am
End time estimate: Tuesday 9pm
Storm Bram triggers the Met Office to issue a Yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland for Tuesday.
Strong gusts are set to sweep through the region on Tuesday at around 9am. The gale-force winds are expected to continue battering the area until 9pm.
The Yellow alert for wind was issued at 10:25am on Monday, December 8.
A Met Office forecast said: “Storm Bram is expected to pass close to western Ireland on Tuesday and bring some very strong south then southwesterly winds. Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible fairly widely, and potentially in excess of 70 mph for some exposed headlands and high ground. There is a small chance of even stronger winds should the area of low pressure pass closer to Ireland. Winds should gradually ease during Tuesday night.”
What to expect
Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport expected with a chance of cancellations; Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges and a chance some roads and bridges could close; Coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves; There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris; There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs; There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
What should you do during high winds?
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury.
Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do: consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.
Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
For further details see Met Office Warnings & Advice.
What is a yellow weather warning?
The Met Office has three categories of weather warning, depending on the likely impact of severe weather and also how likely it is to strike in a particular area.
A yellow warning is issued when weather conditions are expected to disrupt travel and traffic and may impact on daily routines but are not likely to pose a risk to life or property.
An amber warning is more severe and advises people to think about changing their plans to minimise the risk.
A red warning means weather conditions are expected to be dangerous with widespread damage to property and a risk to life, with the public usually advised to avoid travelling.
The Yellow weather alert for wind will remain in effect until 9pm on Tuesday.