Strong winds weather warning - information and advice
Date published:
Storm Éowyn
There is information about public services affected by Storm Éowyn and community assistance or drop-in centres for those without water or power.
Also advice on:
- food safety
- the dangers of carbon monoxide
- the dangers of damaged electricity equipment or power lines
You can find the information at this link:
Keep a close eye on neighbours and support them in whatever way you can.
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 equipment or power lines
Do not approach any damaged electricity equipment or broken power lines.
Be extra careful around fallen trees, as they often take electricity poles and wires with them as they fall.
Be aware that electricity can jump gaps.
Report anything that looks dangerous to NIE Networks on:
- phone: 03457 643643
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
Electricity supply
You can get information about electricity supply, including an updated list of areas affected by power cuts, on the NIE Networks website.
Water supply
If there are difficulties with water supply and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption and what is being done on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility.
You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:
- 03457 440088
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.
Carbon monoxide dangers
If you're without electricity, using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels high enough to result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.
For any fuel-burning equipment indoors:
- there must be good ventilation
- it must be used with a carbon monoxide alarm
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance.
There is further advice at this link:
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness.
If affected, you should:
- open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
- go to your GP or nearest Emergency Department
- if it's urgent, call 999
- call the relevant emergency advice line
- Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001
- Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080
Food safety advice
If a power cut has affected your home and you have no electricity supply, it’s important you continue to store and prepare food safely.
You can find advice at this link:
If your water supply is cut off, it is recommended using alcohol-based hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before touching food.
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.
Ask yourself if you can put off your journey until conditions improve.
You can find information about driving in bad weather at this link:
If you're planning to travel by air or sea, check with the ferry company or airline in case there are delays or cancellations.
Public transport
For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.
School closures
You can find information about schools affected by the bad weather at this link:
Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling
You should not visit any forests, country parks or nature reserves until the weather warning has ended.
Safe public access at all affected sites will be reinstated as soon as possible.
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 power lines 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
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 are possible and 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 during a storm
- animals may behave erratically during high winds and extra care should be taken 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.
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.