Extreme caution urged as Storm Franklin uproots trees, causes flooding, traffic lights outage

There have been several reports of trees falling onto roads overnight, while many roads in the Waterside and other areas including have been affected by surface water making driving conditions dangerous.

Road users are advised that the traffic signals at the junction of Water Street and Foyle Embankment are out of service.

NI Trafficwatch states: “Drivers are advised to approach with caution and be prepared to stop and give way until we can have these repaired.”

Part of the Upper Galliagh Road between its junction with Skeoge and Beragh Hill Road was closed last night due to fallen trees. In Coleraine the Belraugh Rd is also closed due to falling trees.

There was also power outages in several areas including Carndonagh in Inishowen overnight, with reports power has been restored to homes.

In the Dungiven area, NI Water is working to restore supplies to residents in the Ballymacallion region.

The weather conditions also affected the early morning train service to Derry with the 06:05 Belfast to Derry delayed at Coleraine and terminated at Bellarena. Passengers for Derr were bused direct from Coleraine.

The PSNI said today: “It’s a rotten day out there thanks to Storm Franklin.

“Please be careful on the roads this morning, there are a number of trees down across the Derry City & Strabane areas along with various types of debris strewn about.

“It’s been a busy night for the various agencies involved in keeping the roads clear and our homes and businesses with electricity so be patient as work continues and report any obstructions you may come across.

“Keep the speed down and allow a gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front incase you need to take action.”

Police said there has been further disruption on the wider roads network across Northern Ireland this morning due to Storm Franklin. “Motorists are advised to exercise caution as high winds and rain can make driving conditions difficult.”

Donegal County Council have advised everyone to drive with extreme caution this morning.

“Motorists are being asked to drive with extreme care and allow extra times for their journeys during this continued storm period.

“Donegal County Council have pre-deployed sandbags in a number of high risk areas and further sandbags are in readiness if required. Roads service, Fire service and Civil Defence crews are at a heightened state of readiness in the event of local responses being required during this storm event.

“The outlook for the week ahead is for this unsettled period to continue with wet and windy conditions. The public are asked to keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.”