Storm Darragh: Over 40k without power in NI and travel chaos with all trains suspended amid amber warning

A total of 31 flights into and out of Belfast City Airport have now been cancelled, with destinations such as Heathrow, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Amsterdam impacted.

There are currently no reports of flight cancellations at Belfast International.

All Stena Line ferries due to sail from Belfast to Cairnryan – and vice versa – have thus far been cancelled on Saturday, apart from the 7.30pm and the 11.30pm routes.

The Liverpool-Belfast ferries have also been cancelled.

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, Ulster GAA confirmed that the Ulster Club SFC is still proceeding as scheduled, however the Ulster Football Intermediate Club Championship Final between Arva and Ballinderry at Healy Park, Omagh has been postponed and refixed for Saturday 14 December at 5pm.

There are reports of flooding in Newtownabbey this evening, on Shore Road at the Abbey Centre.

Belfast’s two main airports and Stena Line have issued advice for passengers planning on travelling with their services this weekend.

On Friday, Stena Line vessel Superfast VII which was due to arrive in Cairnryan from Belfast at 1.52pm was delayed and another Superfast VII due to dock in Cairnryan at 9.52pm has also been delayed.

All ferries due to sail from Belfast to Cairnryan – and vice versa – have thus far been cancelled on Saturday, apart from the 7.30pm journey and the 11.30pm one.

The Stena Edda from Belfast to Liverpool at 10.30pm tonight has also been cancelled, as has the Stena Embla to Liverpool at 10.30am on Saturday, and the 10.30pm line.

Tonight’s 10.30pm Liverpool-Belfast route has been cancelled, as have the two Liverpool-Belfast ferries planned for Saturday.

A Stena Line spokesperson said: “Passengers can stay up to date with any delays and cancellations on our routes due to Storm Darragh at www.stenaline.co.uk/ferrycheck”

No flights have yet been majorly disrupted at Belfast City Airport or Belfast International. 

A Belfast City Airport spokesperson said: “Flight disruption due to adverse weather conditions across the UK is to be expected over the weekend. Passengers should therefore check the status of their flight with the airline before travelling to the airport.”

Looking forward to seeing your favourite team play this weekend? 

First, be sure to check whether Storm Darragh will be affecting your sporting plans 👇

A spokesperson for the council stated: 

In response to the anticipated severe weather conditions brought by Storm Darragh this weekend, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has announced the temporary closure of several facilities and cancellation of events to prioritise public safety as follows:
 
Enchanted Winter Garden – Cancelled: Friday evening and Saturday evening.

Parks – The parks listed below will be closed from 3:00 PM on Friday and all-day Saturday. They will be assessed for damage and debris on Sunday before reopening.
Crumlin Glen
Antrim Castle Gardens
Millrace trail
Steeple Round Tower
Reas Wood
Sixmilewater park
Memorial park
Randalstown River Walk and Viaduct
Toome Canal Walk
Burnside River Walk
Sentry Hill
Whiteabbey Glen
Global Point
Newtownabbey Way at the Mill
Threemilewater Park
Barriers will be closed at Jordanstown Loughshore and Hazelbank on Saturday
Playparks – All playparks will be closed on Saturday and are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, subject to safety assessments.

Waste Management – Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) will be closed on Saturday and limited street cleansing services will be in place.

Leisure Services:
Outdoor leisure bookings are cancelled for Saturday but will resume on Sunday.

Golf courses will be closed on Saturday and reopen on Sunday.

Leisure Centres will remain open as usual.

Theatre Services – Theatre at The Mill will operate as scheduled.
 
A Council spokesperson stated: “We appreciate the public’s understanding and co-operation during this period of disruption. The safety of our community remains our top priority.”

Following Belfast’s Night Czar Micheal Stewart’s visit to businesses across the Belfast One area, Belfast ONE Business Improvement District (BID) CEO Martina Connolly has today voiced her support and the support of city centre businesses for this message.

Martina also emphasised the importance of maximising the use of late-night buses and trains every Friday and Saturday from now until 21st December. She said:

“The late-night buses and trains started last weekend and have already proven successful. This weekend sees the first full weekend of late-night services and the majority of Christmas parties and gatherings taking place across the city. City Centre footfall reports so far this year have been positive, and we’re encouraging people to continue to come and enjoy the city and get home safe using Translink services. We want to ensure that both businesses and the public know that late-night buses and trains are available every Friday and Saturday night until the 21st of December.”

Martina also commended the efforts of local businesses who are fully embracing the festive season:

“Belfast City Centre businesses have fully embraced Christmas creating a festive atmosphere this year by investing in decorations and illuminations for their businesses and the city. There is so much to come in and see and do in Belfast this year including Gingerbread Lane at Henry’s, Queen’s Arcade, Amelia Hall and the city’s latest addition, The Stock Exchange on Royal Avenue.

“We are asking our local leaders to support the request for night-time transport throughout the year to ensure our city continues to thrive and remain accessible for all.”

 

The Department for Infrastructure says it is working with multi-agency partners and taking steps to minimise the impacts of heavy rain, including checking river levels and maintaining key drainage infrastructure.

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”.

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.”

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.

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”.