PSNI declare 'major incident' as first red weather warning issued in 10 years
The PSNI have declared a major incident in anticipation of Storm Eowyn's arrival. First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly are advising residents to stay indoors where possible and look out for vulnerable individuals as severe winds approach.
Schools, colleges, and courts will be shut on Friday, public transport will be halted, and some health appointments delayed due to the top-level red warning issued for Storm Eowyn. The Met Office has declared a red alert, effective across all of Northern Ireland from 7am on Friday until 2pm, cautioning about "very dangerous conditions" and "widespread disruption".
Police predict that Friday will witness the most powerful winds since the Boxing Day storm in 1998, which caused extensive disruption. Both Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly are urging the public to remain at home on Friday and check on vulnerable individuals.
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Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck of the Police Service of Northern Ireland characterised Storm Eowyn as an "exceptional weather event", with wind speeds anticipated to reach up to 100mph. He confirmed that the police have declared a major incident and urged the public to take the storm's threats seriously.
"There is expected to be serious disruption across our road network, public transport, schools, health services and other public services," he stated. "The message from police is, do not travel, remain indoors and stay safe."
Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly addressed the media at Parliament Buildings, flanked by Mr Beck on Thursday afternoon. Ms O’Neill sought to reassure everyone that preparations are underway across government, with councils, the PSNI and other agencies working to manage any impacts.
"A red weather warning is rare, and it represents a genuine threat to life, and potential damage to property," she warned. "Whilst we don’t want to cause any unnecessary panic, we do want people to be very cautious and not take any unnecessary risks."
She added: "We are expecting significant disruption to travel, including public transport and we’re also expecting potential power outages, so the advice is not to travel during the red warning between 7am and 2pm."
Schools and colleges will be closed as a precaution, she said, and the health and social care system are making urgent contingency plans for patients and staff, but emergency departments will remain open.
"This is very much an evolving situation which we are very closely monitoring but the key message is to stay safe, to look after yourself, to look after your family and to look after your friends and check in on those people who are more vulnerable."
Ms Little-Pengelly highlighted that experienced emergency teams are ready to respond during the expected severe weather in Northern Ireland on Friday. She urged the public to ensure their devices are charged up in case of electricity outages.
"During our Executive meeting today we discussed the multi-agency response," she stated. "A red alert has been issued for the entire of Northern Ireland."
"This is highly unusual, this means between 7am and 2pm tomorrow there is a likelihood of widespread disruption, danger to life and damage to buildings, and our strong advice and the advice of the PSNI is to stay at home if at all possible."
"We have established co-ordination protocols, those have been activated, and experienced emergency teams are ready to respond as required."
"Agencies will be closely monitoring the situation over the coming hours as we work together to keep the people of Northern Ireland safe."
"You can play your part by following advice and only travelling if it is essential, and to work from home if you can."
Earlier, Stormont’s Education Minister Paul Givan announced that the Education Authority has advised that all schools should close tomorrow.
"I understand this will impact on the work of schools and indeed on other businesses and services, but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff," he said. "Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home."
The last time all schools in Northern Ireland were advised to close due to weather was due to Hurricane Ophelia in 2017.
Forecasters are warning of flying debris resulting in danger to life, as well as "very dangerous" driving conditions because of fallen trees.
As the weather takes a turn, expect potential power outages and structural damage, alongside disruptions to public transport including buses, trains, ferries, and flights. A Met Office representative has warned of exceptionally high winds during peak commuting hours, predicting speeds between 80-90mph across Northern Ireland, with certain areas facing gusts up to 100mph.
"An extremely windy spell with disruption and potentially damaging winds tomorrow morning," the spokesperson informed PA news agency. Emphasizing the scale of the storm, they added: "It’s a big deep area of low pressure covering Northern Ireland hence the warning that covers Northern Ireland."
Winds are set to hit their peak force in elevated or exposed spots, particularly near the coast.
In historical context, Northern Ireland's record for a wind gust remains at 124mph at Kilkeel in Co Down, recorded back in January 1974.
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