This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-16389023
The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 9 | Version 10 |
---|---|
Strong winds causing disruption in Northern Ireland | Strong winds causing disruption in Northern Ireland |
(about 1 hour later) | |
About 8,500 people are still without electricity due to storms which have battered Northern Ireland on Tuesday. | |
Northern Ireland Electricity said there are almost 500 individual faults on the network and some customers will be off supply overnight. | |
The strong winds have have also disrupted traffic, with trees blocking several roads. | |
The strongest recorded gusts in NI were 75mph in Castlederg, with speeds of 105mph in north Donegal. | |
In Enniskillen, an Asda store has been closed after the wind ripped off part of the roof. | In Enniskillen, an Asda store has been closed after the wind ripped off part of the roof. |
Some property has also been damaged and the police are advising motorists to take extra care and slow down. | Some property has also been damaged and the police are advising motorists to take extra care and slow down. |
A number of roads were closed in various parts of Northern Ireland including Belfast, Londonderry, Coleraine, Larne, Lurgan, Omagh and Downpatrick. Further details are available here. | |
The Foyle Bridge in Derry is closed. | The Foyle Bridge in Derry is closed. |
Some train and bus services have also been disrupted. | Some train and bus services have also been disrupted. |
A number of ferry sailings have been affected. The Rathlin ferry has been cancelled, while the P&O sailings from Larne to Cairnryan were suspended on Tuesday morning, but have since resumed. | A number of ferry sailings have been affected. The Rathlin ferry has been cancelled, while the P&O sailings from Larne to Cairnryan were suspended on Tuesday morning, but have since resumed. |
In Derry, a pensioner was left badly shaken after a tree crashed down near his home on Monday night. | In Derry, a pensioner was left badly shaken after a tree crashed down near his home on Monday night. |
Last year, a similar incident caused extensive damage to the home of 88-year-old Samuel Douglas in Broomhill Avenue in the Waterside area. | Last year, a similar incident caused extensive damage to the home of 88-year-old Samuel Douglas in Broomhill Avenue in the Waterside area. |
"The tree is right up against the wall (of the house)," he said. | "The tree is right up against the wall (of the house)," he said. |
"A car has already crashed into the tree." | "A car has already crashed into the tree." |
Damage | Damage |
DUP councillor Gavin Robinson said the chimney stack on his property in east Belfast had fallen off and smashed to the ground. | DUP councillor Gavin Robinson said the chimney stack on his property in east Belfast had fallen off and smashed to the ground. |
"We had to make sure the building was structurally secure and nothing more would fall off," he added. | "We had to make sure the building was structurally secure and nothing more would fall off," he added. |
BBC Northern Ireland weather presenter Barra Best said: "We have already had reports of a lot of disruption out there and it's because of those particularly strong winds which will be at their height during the first part of the day. | BBC Northern Ireland weather presenter Barra Best said: "We have already had reports of a lot of disruption out there and it's because of those particularly strong winds which will be at their height during the first part of the day. |
"Towards the evening, the winds will ease but it will still be very windy." | "Towards the evening, the winds will ease but it will still be very windy." |
NIE said the company's incident centres across Northern Ireland had been open from 0630 GMT. | NIE said the company's incident centres across Northern Ireland had been open from 0630 GMT. |
The areas worst affected were the north and east coasts. | |
It said hundreds of extra NIE engineers, call handlers and administrative staff were ready to reinforce its "normal capability to restore supplies following any damage and to provide regularly updated information to customers". | It said hundreds of extra NIE engineers, call handlers and administrative staff were ready to reinforce its "normal capability to restore supplies following any damage and to provide regularly updated information to customers". |
Customers can report a fault to their electricity supply on 08457 643 643. | Customers can report a fault to their electricity supply on 08457 643 643. |
NIE said it was responsible for the electricity network and would "repair faults no matter what electricity supplier issues your bill". | NIE said it was responsible for the electricity network and would "repair faults no matter what electricity supplier issues your bill". |
Are you affected by the weather conditions? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. | Are you affected by the weather conditions? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions | Read the terms and conditions |