Warning: Yellow
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Tuesday 9am
End time estimate: Tuesday 10pm
Storm Bram triggers the Met Office to issue an updated 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 10pm.
The updated Yellow warning for wind was announced at 7:48am on Tuesday, December 9.
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 55-65 mph are possible fairly widely, and potentially in excess of 75 mph for some exposed headlands and high ground. Winds should gradually ease during Tuesday night.”
What to expect
Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen; Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; Some roads and bridges may close; Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
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 an updated 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 10pm on Tuesday.