STORM BRAM: Amber alert upgrade as gusts of up to 70MPH expected for Derry & Donegal
The Met Office has upgraded its Storm Bram alert from Yellow to Amber for Derry and other parts of the north west ahead of the storm making landfall this morning, while police have urged motorists to slow down due to flooding on some roads overnight.
The gates will remain locked in parks, cemeteries, pitches and other public spaces across Derry and Strabane following the issuing of the Amber warning by the Met Office, with the worst of the weather expected to hit the north west region in mid to late afternoon on Tuesday.
The Amber alert is in place from 2pm to 7pm, bracketed by a Yellow alert from 9am to 2pm and 7pm to 10pm.
In Donegal and the rest of the south of Ireland meanwhile, a general Amber alert is in place, with the marine warning now upgraded to a Red Alert.
A PSNI spokesperson urged this morning: “Road users are advised to reduce speed and drive with extra caution given this morning’s wet road conditions. Heavy rain has resulted in surface water and flooding of roads in many areas.
"Leave plenty of time for your journey - and keep a safe distance between vehicles in front.”
A spokesperson for Derry City & Strabane District Council said: “Given the dangers associated with high winds we would advise that people take heed of the safety advice issued by relevant authorities. Our outdoor sites will remain closed until the warning has passed and we would urge caution when out and about. Cemeteries will be closed to the public with the exception of burials.
“Anyone leaving bins out for collection is asked to leave them in a safe place and to bring them in once emptied. We will provide further updates regarding other services if required throughout the day.”
The Northern Ireland Executive meanwhile confirmed overnight that multi-agency preparations were under way to respond to any impacts as a result of Storm Bram, following a Met Office yellow warning for strong winds.
The Met Office warning is valid from 9am to 9pm on Tuesday with gusts potentially in excess of 70mph in the most exposed areas, especially in the west.
A spokesperson for the NI Executive said: “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 NI Executive has advised that 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 and 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: 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. 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. Traffic information can be found at: https://www.trafficwatchni.com/.
The Executive urged people to stay away from the coast. “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.