Warning: Red
To expect: Wind
Affected areas: Northern Ireland
Start time estimate: Friday 8am
End time estimate: Friday 3pm
The Met Office has issued a Red wind warning for Northern Ireland for Friday amid Storm Éowyn.
Severe winds are anticipated to hit the region, approaching the area at around 8am on Friday and will continue lashing until 3pm.
The Red alert for wind was announced at 10:42am on Thursday, January 23.
A Met Office forecast said: “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. This brings the risk of significant disruption to transport and power supplies, as well as dangerous conditions outdoors. Winds will gradually ease from the south through Friday afternoon.”
What to expect
Flying debris resulting in danger to life; Very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads; Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down; Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights; Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage; Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.
What should you do?
Keep yourself and others safe; avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions. It is not safe to drive in these conditions. Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences. Being outside in high winds makes you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can. 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 live or work on the coast, beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. For further details see https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings.
What is a red 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 Red weather alert for wind will remain in effect until 3pm on Friday.