Storm Chandra – Multi-agency update
Multi-agency partners are continuing to meet in response to Storm Chandra today (Tuesday 27 January) as many schools are closed and many workers have stayed at home fearful on travelling on the roads with strong gusts of wind and flooding.
Rain and strong winds, following the Met Office weather warnings, are resulting in some flooded roads and fallen trees in some areas across the North.
The Amber wind warning is valid from 05:00 – 21:00 and is relevant for counties Antrim, Down and Derry. A Yellow warning for rain and wind is also in place from 00:01 to 23:59 across all counties today.
With this caution in place, the public can expect the following:
- Rising water levels on the River Quoile in Downpatrick with a high tide this evening pushing water back upstream and the river full due to heavy sustained rainfall.
- Disruption to traffic is expected and road users are advised to consider whether your journey is necessary. Please take extra care if you must travel and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
- When driving, reduce your speed due to the possibility of surface water and obstructions and avoid driving through flood water. Please adhere to any temporary road signs or lights put in place to keep you and other road users safe.
- Please also follow the guidance of police who may be on to ground in your local area to assist road users.
- There is a very likely chance of power cuts, with the potential that other services such as mobile phone coverage will be affected.
- Flying debris is also likely, which could lead to injuries or danger to life.
- Damage to buildings is also a possibility, especially to lose roof tiles or from falling trees.
- Longer journey times for public transport, including road, rail, air and ferry services can be expected.
- A number of rail services are currently suspended and will be reinstated when it is safe to do so.
- Bus services are also experiencing delays. Details are provided on the Translink website.
- Rathlin Island ferry service has been cancelled for all of Tuesday. Updates will be issued by the operator regarding Wednesday.
- Strangford Lough Ferry Service is currently cancelled – crew remain onsite and when considered safe service will resume. Communication via SMS and VMS will be updated to advise of any change.
- Roads and bridges may have to close, or temporary restrictions may be necessary, so please take extra care.
- If you are in coastal areas, large waves and beach material may be thrown about, please be careful.
- River levels are high and likely to increase further as the recent rain flushes through the system. Water levels in Lough Leagh and Lough Erne are expected to continue to rise for the rest of this week.
- Rivers staff continue to attend drainage infrastructure, monitor water levels in Rivers and Loughs and respond to calls to the Flooding Incident Line.
- DVA test centres are currently open and operating as normal.
Further information:
Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available from the Met Office.
Up-to-date traffic information can be found at:
For concerns regarding electricity, please report to NIE on 03457 643 643.
Report any incidents of flooding to the Flooding Incident Line 0300 2000 100.
If you are in danger and it’s an emergency, always call 999.
For HM Coastguard Advice at the coast during or after storms –Â
Information and advice on strong winds and heavy rain is available at nidirect:Â
www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-winds-and-heavy-rain-warning-information-and-advice
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