Storm Darragh is set to hit Northern Ireland this weekend, with three weather warnings coming into force.

The public have been warned of the potential for travel disruption, damage to buildings, power cuts and even a threat to life.

Keep up to date with the latest developments on our live blog:

10 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna

Other events also cancelled

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, SOS Causeway Hospital have taken the decision to postpone their Community Rally to Saturday, December 14, at 1pm from Causeway Hospital to Coleraine Town Hall.

The rally is aimed at retaining emergency and general surgery at Causeway Hospital.

Saintfield Community Association also cancelled their Christmas Fair planned for Friday, stating that they “have a duty of care to keep everyone safe”.

11 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna

Belfast Christmas Market to close on Saturday

Amid the various weather warnings, the organisers of Belfast Christmas Market have announced that it will not open on Saturday.

A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately due to the expected extreme weather, it will not be safe for us to open. We recognise this may be disappointing, however the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance.

“At the moment the plan is to reopen on Sunday (December 8), however this is weather dependent.”

13 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna

What are the yellow warnings and when are they in place?

There are two yellow weather warnings in force on Friday.

A yellow warning for wind begins at 3pm and lasts until 6am on Sunday.

There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, falling trees and a small chance of power cuts, with the potential for danger to life in coastal areas or from flying debris.

Separately, a yellow warning for rain also begins at 3pm on Friday and lasts until 12 noon on Saturday. 

There is a slight chance that homes and buildings could be flooded, while there may be delays to transport if roads become flooded.

16 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna

When is the amber weather warning in force?

The most serious warning is an amber alert for “potentially damaging winds”, which is set to be in place between 1am and 9pm on Saturday.

Gusts of up to 70 to 80mph are expected around coastal areas while inland winds could reach 60 to 70mph.

Damage to buildings is possible with the potential for roofs to be blown off and power lines to be brought down.

There is the potential for disruption to roads and public transport and the Met Office has also said that “flying debris and falling trees could result in a danger to life”.

Watch: Belfast Charity launch annual appeal and ‘Christmas Jumper Day’