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Strong winds leave 7,000 customers without power says NIE Strong winds leave 6,500 customers without power says NIE
(35 minutes later)
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has said 7,000 customers are without power after strong winds caused disruption to power supplies. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has said 6,500 customers are without power after strong winds caused disruption to power supplies.
The Christmas market at Belfast City Hall has been closed as a safety precaution.The Christmas market at Belfast City Hall has been closed as a safety precaution.
Police said several roads have been closed due to fallen trees. Some ferry services have also been cancelled.Police said several roads have been closed due to fallen trees. Some ferry services have also been cancelled.
NIE said it had opened local incident centres across Northern Ireland and has mobilised additional emergency crews. NIE said it had opened local incident centres across Northern Ireland. Power has been retored to 20,000 customers.
"We've been liaising with the Met Office for the past couple of days," said Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE) Julia Carson."We've been liaising with the Met Office for the past couple of days," said Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE) Julia Carson.
"We knew this was coming and we have additional engineers, emergency crews and call handlers on standby.""We knew this was coming and we have additional engineers, emergency crews and call handlers on standby."
A number of roads have been closed including Crawfordsburn Road and Rathgael Road in Bangor, Spa Road, Ballynahinch, Mearne Road and Castleward Road in Downpatrick.
The Antrim Road in north Belfast is blocked by a fallen tree at Kincraig Park.
A tree has blocked part of the Ormeau Embankment in Belfast. The road is said to be passable with care.
The Tannaghmore Road, Randalstown, has been closed at the junction with Craigmore Road due to the roof of a shed blowing off in the area.
Killard House School in Donaghadee has been closed due to a power cut.
Strong winds led to the Foyle Bridge being closed to high-sided vehicles earlier on Thursday, but it has now re-opened.Strong winds led to the Foyle Bridge being closed to high-sided vehicles earlier on Thursday, but it has now re-opened.
The winds are also expected to generate big waves off the north coast of Northern Ireland. Strong winds at Belfast City Airport have meant a number of flights have been diverted to the International Airport: Birmingham BE402 09:45; Southampton BE986 10:10; London Gatwick EI021 10:15. Cardiff BE282 13:15 is estimated to arrive at 14:00 GMT.
DisruptionDisruption
All ferry sailings between Rathlin and Ballycastle have been cancelled because of the weather conditions.All ferry sailings between Rathlin and Ballycastle have been cancelled because of the weather conditions.
P&O Ferries said it anticipated disruptions on its services from Larne and Cairnryan.P&O Ferries said it anticipated disruptions on its services from Larne and Cairnryan.
It said anyone travelling on Thursday should check in as normal but expect delays.It said anyone travelling on Thursday should check in as normal but expect delays.
The company said its latest sailing information would be updated on its travel information and weatherline on 0845 832 8888.The company said its latest sailing information would be updated on its travel information and weatherline on 0845 832 8888.
Northern Ireland Railways (Translink) said debris on the line had led to delays and cancellations on its Londonderry and Larne services.Northern Ireland Railways (Translink) said debris on the line had led to delays and cancellations on its Londonderry and Larne services.
John Wylie from the Met Office said: "It's completely normal for the time of year. We've got to expect a few stormy periods every winter.John Wylie from the Met Office said: "It's completely normal for the time of year. We've got to expect a few stormy periods every winter.
"We should expect winds that are capable of causing disruption, especially across the north.""We should expect winds that are capable of causing disruption, especially across the north."
Travel disruption
The Met Office has a yellow warning in place - which means to be aware of potential disruption.
It predicts that gusts could reach speeds of 70 mph (115 kph) as a storm moves in from the Atlantic.
The strongest winds are expected along the north coast and the Antrim coast.
The storm has led to warnings for strong winds across Britain and Ireland
In parts of Scotland and England an orange warning - meaning to be prepared for disruption - has been issued for gusts of 80 mph (130 kph) and perhaps as high as 90 mph (145 kph) in exposed parts of the north and west of Scotland.
In the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann has also issued an orange warning for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal, where gusts of 75 mph (120 kph) are expected.
NIE has said that if customers lose power supplies that they can contact their helpline on 08457 643 643 or report the fault at Northern Ireland Electricity.