Multiple events continue to be cancelled across Northern Ireland amidst weather warnings set for the region this weekend.
The Met Office has an amber weather warning for Northern Ireland, with potentially damaging winds hitting, and there is also a separate yellow weather warning for heavy rain from the national forecaster, that could lead to some flooding as well.
It comes after Storm Bert caused flooding in counties Down and Tyrone last month.
The possibly strongest winds and heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh are set to affect NI’s six counties on Saturday.
The amber warning for strong winds will be in placed between 3am and 9pm on Saturday with gust of up to 80mph expected in coastal areas.
Heavy rain is also expected to hit NI between 3pm on Friday and 12pm on Saturday, according to a separate yellow weather warning.
Storm Darragh is on its’ way and heavy rainfall in Belfast city centre led to flash flooding as drains struggled to cope with the deluge. Credit: Alan Lewis – PhotopressBelfast.co.uk 5-12-2024
A further yellow weather warning is also in place from 3pm on Friday to 6am on Sunday for strong winds.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have “made the difficult decision to cancel the Enchanted Winter Garden events on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and performers”.
A spokesperson added: “All tickets and pre-bought tokens for Friday and Saturday will be automatically refunded, although it may take up to seven days for refunds to be processed. Please visit www.enchantedwintergarden.com to rebook for another night. The Council will be communicating extensively with all tickets holders and others impacted by the event cancellation.”
Meanwhile, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council announced that as a precaution, they are closing a number of outdoor recreation sites for the duration of the amber weather warning.
All sites will reopen following safety inspections that will take place after the warning has expired.
The affected areas which will be closed are:
▪️ Ballintoy Harbour Piers
▪️ Ballycastle Harbour Piers
▪️ Portrush Harbour Piers
▪️ Ramore Head, Portrush
▪️ Anderson Park, Coleraine
▪️ Riverside Park, Ballymoney
▪️ Garvagh Forest
▪️ Somerset Riverside Park, Coleraine
▪️ Christie Park, Coleraine
Saintfield Community Association also cancelled their Christmas Fair planned for Friday, stating that they “have a duty of care to keep everyone safe”.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “A period of very strong northerly or northwesterly winds is likely to develop during Saturday as Storm Darragh moves from west to east.
“Gusts of 70 to 80 mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70 mph are likely inland.
“The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon.”
The forecaster warned that there is a chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential for other services including mobile phone coverage to be affected.
The Met Office added that there is also potential for some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, and that flying debris is likely.
Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with some roads and bridges likely to close, with falling trees an additional hazard.
The forecaster warned that the high winds may create the risk of injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
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A spokesperson for the Met Office added: “Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users.
If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions; drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual.
“Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees.
“In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.”
They have urged people in coastal areas to stay alert while the weather warning is in place to be aware of large waves.
They added that anyone walking on cliffs should take extra care during this time.
News Catch Up – Thursday 5 December