Met Office advice on what to expect during red weather warning
The Met Office has issued advice on what to expect during a red weather warning. On Thursday morning, the weather forecaster issued the rare warning for Northern Ireland, which comes into force at 7am on Friday, January 24.
It is the first red warning that has been issued in Northern Ireland since an impact based warning system was introduced in 2011. A yellow warning for wind will be in place from midnight on Friday morning until 11.59pm, an amber warning for wind has been issued covering 6am to 9pm, while the red warning for wind applies from 7am to 2pm.
Detailing the alert, the Met Office 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."
Read more: Red warning issued across NI as Storm Éowyn to cause "widespread disruption"
Read more: Storm Éowyn to bring 'destructive' 80mph winds
The weather warning is in place across all six counties of Northern Ireland. Ahead of the warning coming into effect as Storm Éowyn hits, the Met Office has issued advice on what to expect, and how to keep safe.
What to expect during the red weather warning
Flying debris resulting in danger to life
Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
Very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads
Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
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
You can track Storm Éowyn live below:
Met Office advice on how to stay safe during the red wind warning
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.
Northern Ireland emergency numbers
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.
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