Strong winds weather warning - information and advice
Date published:
Weather warning
The Met Office has sent out weather warnings for strong winds.
Weather warnings let the public and emergency services know about potentially hazardous conditions.
You can find out more about weather warnings and what you should expect on the Met Office website.
Emergency numbers
You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
- emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
Report a fallen tree or blocked road
You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:
Damaged electricity lines
Look out for power lines and stay clear of them.
Avoid any damaged equipment or broken power lines - be aware that electricity can jump gaps.
Where trees have fallen they may have damaged a power line, even if damage isn’t immediately obvious.
Reporting a power cut or damaged power line
If your power is off or you've found a damaged power line, you can report it or get more information - contact NIE Networks or visit their website:
- NIE Networks Customer Helpline: 03457 643 643
- Power cuts
You can find an updated list of areas affected by power cuts on the NIE Networks website.
Roads information
You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:
Where roads are closed, follow road signs and any diversions in place.
Check weather and travel advice
Plan your journey and check the latest weather and travel advice.
You can find information about driving in bad weather at this link:
Public transport
No rail services will operate on Friday 24 January, and they could also be an impact on some early Saturday morning (25 January) services.
There has been significant damage to the railway network, including fallen trees and debris. There are also impacts to level crossings, signalling and other railway infrastructure.
Repairs work is taking place to make sure of the gradual safe return of rail services over the weekend.
There are limited Belfast Metro and Glider services from 5.00 pm on Friday 24 January.
Buses from Belfast to Dublin (including Dublin airport), and Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport also restored from 5.00 pm on Friday 24 January.
Ulsterbus and Foyle Metro services are expected to return on Saturday 25 January. However, there may still be some disruption and diversions due to road closures.
For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.
Health services
Urgent and emergency care services are open as normal on Friday 24 January.
Use the Phone First service for your local Health and Social Care Trust before travelling to an Emergency Department.
However, call 999 if you or someone you care for is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
You can find information from the Trusts at these links:
Patients with GP appointments booked for Friday 24 January, who have not already been contacted by their practice, should phone their GP Practice for advice before making a decision to travel.
School closures
All schools in Northern Ireland have been advised to close on Friday 24 January.
Further Education colleges and universities
All Further Education college and university campuses in Northern Ireland are closed on Friday 24 January.
MOT and driving tests
DVA testing services will resume as scheduled tomorrow morning (Saturday 25th).
There is some disruption for vehicle tests anticipated at Armagh and Omagh, and driving tests at Altnagelvin.
DVA will contact affected customers. Unless you receive a notification from DVA, you should arrive for your appointment as scheduled.
Strangford and Rathlin ferry services
Strangford ferry service is suspended on Friday 24 January until further notice.
The service will stay under review throughout Friday and any updates will be issued via Ferry SMS and the Department for Infrastructure's (DfI) social media channels.
All Rathlin Ferry Service sailings are cancelled on Friday 24 January.
Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling
You're strongly advised not to visit forests, country parks, nature reserves or the public angling estate until the strong winds weather warning is over.
Sites will be closed to vehicle access as far as possible during the warning, as will public facilities, including visitor centres, cafés and toilets.
Public access at any sites affected by the high winds will be reinstated as soon as possible.
Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices
All Jobs and Benefits offices are closed on Friday 24 January.
- staff working remotely will provide a limited service
- benefit payments due while the office is closed will still be paid by the date due
- Universal Credit customers can use online service and journal as usual
- telephone calls will be handled by staff working remotely
- Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) signing is excused
- staff will contact affected customers for telephone or alternative in-person appointments
- if you are not able to attend your appointment due to the widespread disruption to power and telecoms facilities you don’t need to do anything, you will be sent details of a new appointment
All Department for Communities offices, including the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI), Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle will also be closed.
Courts and tribunals
The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) is continuing to assess any damage to its buildings, but the planning assumption is that they will be open as usual on Monday 27 January.
If this position changes, further updates will be provided.
Check the latest weather and travel advice.
Land and Property Services (LPS) offices
Land and Property Services (LPS) offices are closed on Friday 24 January. Customers can still access services online and by telephone
General Register Office for Northern Ireland
Colby House is closed on Friday 24 January.
There will be no access to the Public Search Room or the Public Counter.
Orders can still be placed online and by phone, however:
- there will be no next day deliveries available
- priority processing applications will also be affected
Public libraries
All public libraries, mobile libraries and administration centres are closed on Friday 24 January but you can still use online services.
There will also be no Homecall Service.
There will be no Out of Hours services until Monday 27 January.
All planned events and activities are cancelled.
Potential disruption to services may continue over the weekend - check the Libraries NI social media for updates.
Local councils
If local council services are affected by bad weather, the latest information should be available on council websites.
Advice for road users
All road users are asked to pay attention to any road signs and temporary arrangements put in place during severe weather.
Longer journey times or cancellations are possible if road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.
Some roads and bridges could close.
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen:
- on open stretches of road exposed to strong cross winds
- when passing bridges or gaps in the hedges
In very windy weather a vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Motorists are also advised to drive with care due to possible wind-blown debris.
Farmers and livestock owners
Farmers are asked to stay vigilant and be mindful of their own safety when protecting their premises and livestock.
Farmers need to assess the risk from the effect of storm conditions, identify the hazards and take necessary precautions.
Advice to farmers is:
- make sure livestock are in a sheltered, secure area away from trees
- secure all loose objects that may be blown around the farmyard
- close and secure all doors, gates and windows
- check and test backup generators and equipment - never use standby generators indoors as the fumes from the engine can be lethal
- do not attempt to repair damage while the storm is in progress
- animals may behave erratically during high winds and extra care should be take when working with or moving stock
- once the storm is over, when checking the farm and livestock, tell someone where you are going, how long you will be and wear appropriate, high-visibility clothing
Birdkeepers are asked to be vigilant during the weather warning, as flooding or damage to hen houses can increase the risk of an avian influenza.
Pets
Keep your pet indoors and keep your house and garden secure.
Keep an eye on the forecast and if you need to take your dog outside, keep it on a lead.
Keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour in case they show signs of distress and let them stay where they feel safe.
Travel advice
If you're planning to travel by air or sea, check with the ferry company or airline in case there are delays or cancellations.
Strong winds advice
You should:
- keep your property in a well-maintained condition (for example replace/ repair any loose roof tiles, guttering, and so on that could potentially come loose and cause injury or damage to property)
- secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture, wheelie bins, trampolines, or anything else that could be blown around
- close and securely fasten doors and windows
- park vehicles in a garage (if you have one) or keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls, and fences
- make sure you are prepared in case there is a power cut
During a storm you should:
- stay indoors as much as possible
- if you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
- not go outside to repair damage while the storm is ongoing
- avoid all work at height
- not drive unless your journey is really necessary
- if you're a farmer, not enter fields bordered by trees or with powerlines unless absolutely necessary
After a storm you should:
- be careful not to touch any electrical/ telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
- not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened
- check for damage and make sure any such damage is secured, when it is safe to do so
Preparing for a power cut
It's important to be prepared for a potential loss of power. You should:
- know where your household fuses and trip switches are so you can check if the problem is with your electrics only
- test smoke alarms regularly
- keep a supply of new batteries in torches and radios (for checking updates on news bulletins)
- keep a supply of candles
- keep mobile phones, laptops or tablets fully charged – so you will have use of battery power for a short time at least
- have the telephone numbers you might need to hand (as well as mobile phones, a non-mains powered landline telephone will help you stay in touch during a power cut)
- if you have a baby at home:
- make sure you have a supply of pre-prepared formula baby milk (if used)
- prepare a flask of hot water to heat bottles and baby food (it is always safer to make up a fresh feed - when this is not possible, feeds should never be stored for longer than 24 hours)
If you depend on electrical equipment that is vital to your health, contact Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks to get on their medical customer care register:
If your electricity goes off
If your electricity goes off, you should:
- never touch damaged electricity equipment
- check your fuses and trip switches - then check if your neighbours are without power
- leave one light on
- leave your fridge/ freezer switched on with the door shut to keep a low temperature
- check that other electrical appliances and machinery are switched off at the wall
- preferably use a torch, oil or gas lamp as a source of light rather than candles
- if you must use naked flames, take extra care and make sure they are put out before you go to bed
- check on elderly or vulnerable family, neighbours and friends to make sure they're okay
- if using a generator, be careful where you put it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning
Flooding
If any flooding happens, you can report it by phoning the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.
The Flooding Incident Line is available 24 hours a day, every day. You can report flooding problems on roads or burst water mains and blocked drains.
When you phone, a member of staff will:
- take your details
- contact the appropriate agency on your behalf
This is a non-emergency number, so if you are in danger, call the emergency services on 999.
There is general flooding advice in the following section, including preparing for a flood and what to do if flooding happens:
Financial help if your house floods
If your home is flooded due to heavy rainfall, contact the local council and ask about their emergency payments scheme.
Water supply
If there are difficulties with water and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility.
Older people, people with a serious medical condition, or people who need extra help for any other reason can join the NI Water customer care register to get a range of free extra services.
You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:
- 03457 440088