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Version 14 Version 15
Bad weather causing NI disruption Bad weather causing NI disruption
(30 minutes later)
About 20,000 homes in Northern Ireland are without power due to the weather. About 20,000 homes in Northern Ireland are without power due to bad weather.
Northern Ireland Electricity said there was widespread damage, especially in Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Londonderry, Coleraine and Ballymena.Northern Ireland Electricity said there was widespread damage, especially in Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Londonderry, Coleraine and Ballymena.
The Roads Service in the north west has been preparing for potential blizzard conditions. The Glenshane Pass has been closed for snow ploughing. Roads have also been affected, with the Glenshane Pass closed for snow ploughing.
Five flights due to depart from Belfast International Airport on Tuesday evening have been cancelled. A number of flights from Belfast International Airport on Tuesday evening were cancelled and further disruption is expected on Wednesday.
The flights affected were Easyjet departures to London Stansted, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow.The flights affected were Easyjet departures to London Stansted, Bristol, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow.
The 2210 BST Easyjet plane from London Stansted has also been cancelled, with a number of other planes diverted to other airports.The 2210 BST Easyjet plane from London Stansted has also been cancelled, with a number of other planes diverted to other airports.
'Treacherous conditions''Treacherous conditions'
Winds have brought down electricity lines and poles and caused 250 individual faults.Winds have brought down electricity lines and poles and caused 250 individual faults.
The Met office is predicting heavy rain and snow with biting gales.The Met office is predicting heavy rain and snow with biting gales.
The police have said driving conditions across Northern Ireland are "treacherous" and have advised motorists to slow down.The police have said driving conditions across Northern Ireland are "treacherous" and have advised motorists to slow down.
The Glenshane Pass is said to be "particularly difficult". Snow ploughs and gritters are working to clear the road.The Glenshane Pass is said to be "particularly difficult". Snow ploughs and gritters are working to clear the road.
Ulsterbus have said services from Londonderry bound for Belfast will only travel as far as Dungiven.Ulsterbus have said services from Londonderry bound for Belfast will only travel as far as Dungiven.
An NIE spokesperson said its engineers were working on faults as quickly as it was "safe to do so" and that an additional 250 staff have been called in.An NIE spokesperson said its engineers were working on faults as quickly as it was "safe to do so" and that an additional 250 staff have been called in.
"We have invested heavily in our service and our systems have been thoroughly tested," he continued."We have invested heavily in our service and our systems have been thoroughly tested," he continued.
"However, a rural network, like Northern Ireland's is still vulnerable to severe weather like we are experiencing this evening.""However, a rural network, like Northern Ireland's is still vulnerable to severe weather like we are experiencing this evening."
Weather warningWeather warning
Meanwhile, a tree has fallen on the Belfast to Bangor train line, close to Marino station. Passengers are being transported by bus.Meanwhile, a tree has fallen on the Belfast to Bangor train line, close to Marino station. Passengers are being transported by bus.
The Roads Service is working to keep roads openThe Roads Service is working to keep roads open
Earlier, conditions were said to be particularly bad between Coleraine and Maghera.Earlier, conditions were said to be particularly bad between Coleraine and Maghera.
There were also reports of heavy snow between Omagh and Dromore.There were also reports of heavy snow between Omagh and Dromore.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning and has said heavy rain could cause flooding in many areas.The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning and has said heavy rain could cause flooding in many areas.
The Strangford Road in Downpatrick has also been closed between Quoile Bridge and Saul Mills Road because of a land slide.The Strangford Road in Downpatrick has also been closed between Quoile Bridge and Saul Mills Road because of a land slide.
All P&O Express sailings between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled due to the weather, however, passengers will be transferred to conventional ferry sailings.All P&O Express sailings between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled due to the weather, however, passengers will be transferred to conventional ferry sailings.
Stena sailings between Belfast and Stranraer have also been cancelled.Stena sailings between Belfast and Stranraer have also been cancelled.