STORM BOELO: Derry play parks and cemeteries to close as winds exceeding 100km / hour expected
Derry & Strabane Council’s outdoor sports facilities, parks, greenways and play areas will be closed this weekend as a precaution ahead of Storm Boelo making landfall in the north west.
Numerous facilities will be closed off on both Saturday and Sunday, while cemeteries across the city and district and recycling centres will open on Saturday bit close on Sunday.
The Council said it is urging the public to take extra care and stay informed as Storm Boelo is expected to bring ‘severe weather conditions across the district this weekend’.
Following Met Office advice, an Amber wind warning is in place for the north and northeast of the North from 9pm on Saturday 24 October until 9pm on Sunday 25 October. A Yellow wind warning covering all of Northern Ireland is also in place from 10am on Saturday until 12 noon on Sunday. The strongest winds are expected overnight Saturday into Sunday, with gusts of 60 to 70mph widely and up to 80mph possible along exposed coastal areas.
The Met Office has warned that flying debris, fallen trees and power outages are likely, while road, rail, air and ferry services may be disrupted. Coastal areas may also experience dangerous waves and storm surge conditions. Heavy rain accompanying the strong winds could lead to localised flooding issues and blocked drainage systems.
Cemeteries – Council cemeteries will be open tomorrow Saturday and closed on Sunday, except for funerals. However this is subject to officers carrying out health and safety risk assessments over the weekend.
If you'd like to keep up to date with the latest news, views, sport and features from the Derry Journal you can sign up to our newsletter here:
Recycling Centres – Recycling centres will be open tomorrow Saturday and closed on Sunday, subject to health and safety risk assessments with further updates provided when available. Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and follow staff instructions while using the sites.
Outdoor Sports Facilities – In the interests of health and safety, all Council outdoor sports facilities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Facilities will undergo safety inspections before reopening and user groups will be contacted directly.
Parks, Play Parks and Greenways – All Council parks, greenways and play areas will be closed on Saturday and Sunday and the public is advised to avoid open spaces and areas with trees during the period of strongest winds.
Leisure Centres – Brooke Park Leisure Centre will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Customers are advised to use facilities at other leisure facilities. All other facilities are open subject to ongoing health and safety risk assessments.
The Guildhall and Tower Museum will remain open and operating as normal, while passengers travelling to and from City of Derry Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check flight information before travelling via the airport website.
A Council spokesperson said: “Routine inspections will be carried out on all Council facilities on Monday morning before reopening. Members of the public are asked for patience, as facilities will only reopen once they have been deemed safe.
“Council will continue to monitor weather forecasts and the implications on services and will provide regular updates on services through its social media channels.
"Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and weather warnings through the Met Office website and app. The Met Office has indicated that further wind and rain may affect Northern Ireland early next week and is continuing to monitor the situation.”
Emergency numbers:
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
You can find more advice here.