Agencies ready to respond to Storm Bram as winds pick up
Multi-agency preparations are underway to respond to any impacts as a result of Storm Bram, following a Met Office yellow warning for strong winds.
The warning is valid on Tuesday 9 December from 9am to 9pm.
Gusts of around 50-60mph are possible fairly widely, and potentially in excess of 70mph in the most exposed areas, especially in the West.
The Department for Infrastructure’s roads and rivers teams have been checking and clearing road gullies and other drainage and infrastructure and have additional staff on standby to respond to incidents.
Monitoring of river levels and sea levels has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warning has elapsed.
As a precautionary measure, Departmental staff are installing temporary flood defences ahead of a forecast tidal surge which will occur close to the time of the High Tide which is expected early on Tuesday afternoon.
The combination of these two occurrences has the potential to increase water levels in the River Lagan downstream of Stranmillis Weir.
When this is further combined with the high flows in the Lagan due to recent rain, engineers have taken the precautionary decision to proactively deploy some of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme temporary tidal defences between the Stranmillis Weir and the Lagan Weir to provide enhanced flood protection in the area.
And residents and business people in Downpatrick, Newcastle and Newry will be watching very carefully in case flood waters creep up in the afternoon or evening. Currently the River Quoile is running very high and flooding its banks in some places.
Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations.
The strong winds could lead to power cuts, damage to buildings, fallen trees, spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas, as well as disruption to travel including public transport, ferries and flights.
Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible especially along the County Down coast and the worst of the wind is forecast from early afternoon into the evening rush hour. Outdoor Seasonal decorations may be vulnerable to the wind.
Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at:Â
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-winds-weather-warning-information-and-advice.
It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place.Â
Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt and never drive through flood water.Â
Traffic information can be found at:Â TrafficWatch.
You can report an obstruction at: Report an obstruction on a road or street | nidirect or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.
To report incidents of flooding, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency.
The power of water is often on show during a storm as waves crash against harbour walls, piers and cliffs. It looks spectacular but surges can easily sweep a person off their feet.
All it takes is one wave to drag you out to sea – a dramatic photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life. If you are in trouble or see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.
NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear of any damaged electricity equipment and report it immediately to the Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. Members of the public should never approach a broken pole or electricity line.
Should customers experience a power cut they can check for updates at Powercheck NI (powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk) and report the fault online or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.
Translink advises passengers to check its Journey Planner or Translink social media channels in advance of travel, and to allow extra time for their journeys.Â
Belfast City Council has advised that Victoria Park will be closed from 12noon tomorrow. Any additional closures or disruption to services will be available on:
