A deluge of rain and strong winds has led to travel chaos and event closures as Storm Darragh hits Northern Ireland.
Power cuts, blocked roads, suspended trains and cancelled flights are some of the impacts currently being felt.
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Key updates
Power station damaged
‘Essential travel only’
North Belfast paramilitary mural blown down
What weather warnings are in place on Saturday?
Lyons: Football fixture chaos is ‘appalling’
Sports Minister Gordon Lyons has weighed in on the controversy surrounding late call-offs in the Sports Direct Premiership today.
Dungannon Swifts v Linfield and Coleraine v Portadown were both called off just 70 minutes before kick-off.
Mr Lyons said: “Football clubs, players and fans across Northern Ireland have been left in an appalling situation today after they were forced to travel during an amber weather warning only to have matches called off at the last minute.
“This is totally unacceptable and the authorities must ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“Clarity could and should have been provided earlier in order to keep people safe and save time and money for everyone involved.”
Dungannon Swifts v Linfield and Coleraine v Portadown were both called off just 70 minutes before kick-off.
Mr Lyons said: “Football clubs, players and fans across Northern Ireland have been left in an appalling situation today after they were forced to travel during an amber weather warning only to have matches called off at the last minute.
“This is totally unacceptable and the authorities must ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“Clarity could and should have been provided earlier in order to keep people safe and save time and money for everyone involved.”
Transport services on track
Translink expect their night Metro and bus services to run as normal, although rail services could be delayed.
Fans’ fury at call-off chaos
Linfield fans have been left frustrated after their game at Dungannon Swifts was called off just 70 minutes before kick-off.
Many were at Stangmore Park already and spoke to Adrian Rutherford here
Many were at Stangmore Park already and spoke to Adrian Rutherford here
Football chiefs defend call-off chaos
The Northern Ireland Football League has defended its decision not to call an early halt to all of Saturday’s league fixtures in the face of Storm Darragh.
Keith Bailie has the latest here
Keith Bailie has the latest here
Some customers face days without power – NIE
NIE has said the high winds brought by Storm Darragh have caused widespread damage to the electricity network, and some customers could be without power for “a number of days”.
“At present approximately 48,000 customers remain without power across Northern Ireland,” a spokesperson said.
“Our teams are working to assess the damage across the network however debris on roads is impacting our restoration efforts.
“From our experience of previous significant weather events, we anticipate complete restoration will take a number of days. We will aim to restore power to those customers affected as quickly as possible where is it safe to do so.”
“At present approximately 48,000 customers remain without power across Northern Ireland,” a spokesperson said.
“Our teams are working to assess the damage across the network however debris on roads is impacting our restoration efforts.
“From our experience of previous significant weather events, we anticipate complete restoration will take a number of days. We will aim to restore power to those customers affected as quickly as possible where is it safe to do so.”
They added: “Hundreds of extra staff have been brought in to help reinforce our normal capability. We have mobilised additional call agents to deal with any queries customers may have regarding the repair process in their area.”
Stena Line docks in Belfast
The Stena Line that departed Cairnryan before 1am last night has finally been able to berth in Belfast – much to relief of the passengers on board no doubt! It had been sheltering off the coast in Whitehead.
‘Amber’ warning downgraded
A Met Office ‘amber’ weather warning has been downgraded – earlier than expected. It had been expected to last until 9pm. A yellow warning for strong winds remains in place.
Another Translink update
Translink has just announced the line from Belfast to Londonderry is closed until further notice.
Services are operating between Coleraine and Portrush, with some disruption expected due to speed restrictions.
Services are operating between Coleraine and Portrush, with some disruption expected due to speed restrictions.
Trainline update
The Portadown, Larne and Bangor lines all reopened earlier. The line between Coleraine and Derry has now reopened, however the line between Coleraine and Belfast remains closed.
Final Premiership match called off
While the Linfield chairman fumed over a late call-off for his side’s game at Dungannon, Portadown might have similar complaints as their match in Coleraine has fallen foul of the weather – that decision also coming up over an hour ahead of kick-off.
Parade goes ahead
Despite disruption from Storm Darragh, the final parade of the year has taken place in Londonderry as Apprentice Boys took to the streets for the annual Shutting of the Gates ceremony.
More details here:
More details here:
Christmas Market back tomorrow!
The Christmas Market at City Hall will reopen on Sunday, Belfast City Council has said.
It has issued an update on facilities affected by Storm Darragh:
It has issued an update on facilities affected by Storm Darragh:
- Parks, pitches, open spaces, public toilets and playgrounds are closed and will remain closed on Sunday for essential maintenance following the storm.
- Cemeteries will remain closed on Sunday for essential maintenance.
- The Christmas Market at Belfast City Hall is closed today, but will reopen at 12 noon on Sunday.
- A decision will be made re: recycling centres at 12 noon on Sunday.
- Community and Leisure Centres remain open.
Rail services resume on Bangor line
The Portadown, Larne and Bangor lines have all now reopened following this morning’s suspension of services.
Linfield chairman hits out over late call-off
Titanic Belfast closing
The Titanic Belfast museum is closing for the remainder of the day due to the storm.
A statement read: “All customers with pre-booked tickets for the Titanic Experience and A Magical Christmas Experience for today will be contacted by a member of our team.
“The building will be open as normal tomorrow Sunday 8th December.
“Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”
Second train line reopens
The Larne train line has now reopened, following the recommencing of services on the Portadown line earlier.
All train services across Northern Ireland had been postponed this morning.
Fifth NIFL Premiership game off
With just an hour to go until scheduled kick-off time, Dungannon’s game against Linfield has been called off.
There’s now just one Premiership game set to go ahead.
There’s now just one Premiership game set to go ahead.
OFF
Cliftonville vs Carrick Rangers
Dungannon Swifts vs Linfield
Glentoran vs Ballymena United
Glenavon vs Crusaders
Loughgall vs Larne
ON
Coleraine vs Portadown
Championship match goes ahead despite club’s concern over ‘dangerous’ conditions
In the Championship, Ballinamallard United were left frustrated that their game against Ards in Bangor was given the greenlight despite the difficult conditions.
In a statement, the Fermanagh club said: “Today’s match against Ards at Clandeboye Park is going ahead despite our club raising concerns to NIFL and Ards of the extremely and exceptional dangerous weather conditions that our players and management are expected to travel in.”
Power station damaged
Ballylumford power station in Co Antrim has reported damage to one of its chimneys following Storm Darragh.
Electricity generation has been stopped while the team assesses and addresses the damage.
The storm resulted in “structural damage to the chimney” at the plant, a senior staff member said.
“We are fully committed to ensuring the safe restoration of operations at EP Ballylumford,” said Tim McCullough, station manager at EP Ballylumford.
“The safety of our staff and the integrity of our equipment are our top priorities, and we are working closely with all necessary parties to minimise any disruption to electricity supply.”
Electricity generation has been stopped while the team assesses and addresses the damage.
The storm resulted in “structural damage to the chimney” at the plant, a senior staff member said.
“We are fully committed to ensuring the safe restoration of operations at EP Ballylumford,” said Tim McCullough, station manager at EP Ballylumford.
“The safety of our staff and the integrity of our equipment are our top priorities, and we are working closely with all necessary parties to minimise any disruption to electricity supply.”
M1 reopens
The M1 motorway has now reopened eastbound between Saintfield and Blacks Road. It had been closed due to an insecure roof at a nearby premises.
Watch: Bus collides with building and roads blocked as storm Darragh batters Northern Ireland