Warning: Yellow

To expect: Wind

Affected areas: Northern Ireland

Start time estimate: Saturday 2pm

End time estimate: Sunday 2am

Storm Dave prompts the Met Office to announce a Yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland for Saturday and Sunday.

The region will be lashed by gale-force winds. The hazardous winds are anticipated to start on Saturday at around 2pm and persist until Sunday 2am.

The Yellow alert for wind was issued at 11:10am on Thursday, April 2.

A Met Office forecast said: “A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move northeastwards close to or across northwestern parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing northwards by Sunday. Whilst there is some uncertainty over the exact track, intensity and shape of this area of low pressure, a period of strong southwesterly veering northwesterly winds is expected during Saturday night and into the first part of Easter Sunday, before gradually easing through the day. Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations. Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts.”

What to expect

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible; Some roads and bridges may close; There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage; 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 small chance that 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 strong gusts?

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 2am on Sunday.