First Minister Michelle O’Neill has warned the public that Storm Éowyn represents “a genuine threat to life and property” in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at a Stormont press conference on Thursday afternoon, the First Minister said: “We are expecting significant disruptions to public transport and we are also expecting potential power outages. The advice is not to travel between 7am and 2pm tomorrow.”
All schools in Northern Ireland have been told to close tomorrow as Storm Éowyn sweeps in.
The Met Office has issued a rare red alert, which covers all of Northern Ireland from 7am until 2pm with forecasters warning of “very dangerous conditions” and “widespread disruption”.
A yellow weather warning has also been issued for Sunday for strong winds, in place from 8am until 3pm.
Read more
Read our live blog with all the latest weather coverage here:
Key updates
Belfast International Airport issues statement
Stormont press conference underway
Flights likely to be impacted – airport
Emergency phone alert
Department of Education orders all NI schools to close
Stormont storm press conference: ‘Dangerous to think this is like any other storm’
Michelle O’Neill: “There is a danger in thinking that this is just like any other storm. That’s not necessarily the case, this is a red alert. This is not a usual type of storm. So perhaps in the past where storms have been more coastal, by impact, it could come much more inland and affect more communities in perhaps a way that they haven’t seen before.”
Strongest winds to hit NI since 1998
We’ve just had another emergency briefing at Stormont, where a senior PSNI officer joined the First and deputy First Minister.
It is anticipated that this storm will bring the strongest winds experienced in Northern Ireland since the 1998 Boxing Day storms.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “Storm Éowyn represents an exceptional weather event and is expected to bring sustained windspeeds of up to 100mph to our shores.
“We have declared this a major incident and a red weather alert will be in effect across all areas of Northern Ireland. The public is urged to take the dangers posed by this storm seriously.
“There is expected to be serious disruption across our road network, public transport, schools, health services and other public services.
“The message from police is, do not travel, remain indoors and stay safe.”
It is anticipated that this storm will bring the strongest winds experienced in Northern Ireland since the 1998 Boxing Day storms.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “Storm Éowyn represents an exceptional weather event and is expected to bring sustained windspeeds of up to 100mph to our shores.
“We have declared this a major incident and a red weather alert will be in effect across all areas of Northern Ireland. The public is urged to take the dangers posed by this storm seriously.
“There is expected to be serious disruption across our road network, public transport, schools, health services and other public services.
“The message from police is, do not travel, remain indoors and stay safe.”
Translink confirms no bus or train services will run on Friday morning
Translink has announced there will be no bus or train services operating on Friday morning, 24th January and while the red status is in place.
Translink’s Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell, said: “We have worked closely with the multiple emergency planning agencies, and this decision to cancel services is necessary to ensure the safety of all our customers and employees.
“Amber alerts for strong winds are also in effect for most of tomorrow which will likely impact services even after the red alert ends. We will be working collaboratively with all agencies to assess any damage to both road and rail routes and only resume services when it is safe to do so.
“There is likely to be fallen trees and extensive debris that will need to be cleared, and bus and train services may need to operate with speed restrictions or operate diversions for bus services if roads are impassable.
“We are urging passengers to check the Translink Journey Planner, website or social media channels for the latest updates in advance of travel.
“Customers with bookings for cancelled services will be automatically refunded.
“We would like to thank all our passengers and staff for their support and patience during these very difficult conditions to ensure everyone’s safety”.
Belfast International Airport issues statement
Belfast International Airport has issued a statement to passengers planning on travelling tomorrow
A spokesperson said: “We are actively monitoring the forecast weather conditions alongside our partners and government agencies and anticipating that the weather alert issued will result in flights being impacted tomorrow.
“To those intending to travel, we would ask that you check with the airlines and keep reviewing our website for the most up to date information about departures and arrivals. Any cancellations or delays will be a decision for the airlines. It is also possible that flights may need to be redirected to us from other airports for safety reasons, which will also stretch resources.
“Passenger and staff safety is our primary concern. All passengers should be aware that disembarkation from aircraft will not be attempted in extremely high winds, due to the very real safety risks of using steps at such a height during the wind speeds anticipated, so please plan accordingly, especially for those who may require medication or for passengers with young children.
“If you are travelling, please allow extra time for your journey to the airport and follow the advice of NI Direct and the PSNI.
“The airlines, their handling agents and we will be doing all we can to ensure the safety of all passengers, however, we would ask for your patience and understanding as we do so.”
Passengers at Belfast International Airport
Decision to cancel bus and rail service ‘necessary’, says Translink chief
Translink’s Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell, said: “We have worked closely with the multiple emergency planning agencies, and this decision to cancel services is necessary to ensure the safety of all our customers and employees.
“Amber alerts for strong winds are also in effect for most of tomorrow which will likely impact services even after the red alert ends. We will be working collaboratively with all agencies to assess any damage to both road and rail routes and only resume services when it is safe to do so.
“There is likely to be fallen trees and extensive debris that will need to be cleared, and bus and train services may need to operate with speed restrictions or operate diversions for bus services if roads are impassable.
“We are urging passengers to check the Translink Journey Planner, website Weather Warning or social media channels for the latest updates in advance of travel.
“We would like to thank all our passengers and staff for their support and patience during these very difficult conditions to ensure everyone’s safety”.
MoT and driving tests cancelled ahead of Storm Éowyn
The Department for Infrastructure will close all DVA centres tomorrow, Friday 24 January, due to the Met Office red weather warning issued for Storm Éowyn.
All vehicle tests (MoTs), practical driving tests and driving theory tests will be cancelled. Customers do not need to take any action.
All affected customers will receive an email to confirm that their appointment has been cancelled.
The DVA will also contact customers by email, as soon as possible, to confirm details of a new appointment.
Due to the red weather warning in place for Storm Éowyn and the advice to avoid travel, Translink has announced there will be no bus or train services operating on Friday morning, 24 January and while the red status is in place.
Strangford ferry service will also be suspended from 7.30am on Friday until further notice.
The service will remain under review throughout Friday and any updates will be issued via Ferry SMS and DfI’s social media channels.
Rathlin Ferry Service 4pm departure from Rathlin and the 4.30pm departure from Ballycastle have been cancelled on Thursday, 23 January, and all sailings will be cancelled on Friday 24 January.
The PSNI has issued a do not travel warning for the period of the red Met office warning tomorrow between 7am and 2pm tomorrow which will see very strong winds and bring a threat to life. Outside the red warning period, yellow and amber warnings are in place from midnight tonight until midnight Friday with widespread disruption and significant impacts expected.
While staff are on standby to respond to incidents on the roads please be aware that with the adverse conditions expected and advice not to travel during the period of the red warning , this will affect our ability to respond as quickly as usual and incidents will have to prioritised accordingly. The safety of members of the public and our own staff is paramount.
Council services to be disrupted by storm
Belfast City Council advice
There will be no bin or Bryson Recycling box collections on Friday. The advice to residents and businesses whose bins or boxes are due for collection on Friday is to not leave them out tonight (Thursday) and instead leave out for collection by 7am on Saturday morning instead.
If your bin is not emptied then, please present it again by 7am on Sunday morning.
Any further updates will be added to the council website, once confirmed – belfastcity.gov.uk/weather – and shared on social media – follow @belfastcc on X/Twitter and @belfastcitycouncil on Facebook.
All council parks, playgrounds and pitches will be closed on Friday, along with all community and leisure centres and council buildings, including City Hall, Belfast Zoo and St George’s Market.
Full details of all impacted services are at belfastcity.gov.uk/weather – this will be updated further as more information is confirmed.
Community pharmacies issue advice to patients
Mid and East Antrim Council issues storm guidance
All Council facilities will be closed on Friday 24 January 2025.
This includes:
- Household recycling centres
- Council parks and open spaces
- Council cemeteries
- Town halls and community centres
- Leisure centres
- Council public toilets
- Ballymena Showgrounds
- Museums and attractions
* Online Council Services will still be available.
Bin collections:
There will be no bin collections on Friday 24 January 2025:
- Black bins due to be collected tomorrow in Ballymena, will now be lifted on Saturday 25 January.
- Blue bins due to be collected tomorrow in Larne, will now be lifted Saturday 25 January.
- Brown bins in Carrickfergus and Larne due to be collected tomorrow, will be lifted on Friday 7 February.
*Bryson Recycling have advised there will be NO kerbie box collections on Friday 24 January or Saturday 25 January 2025.
Safety:
Council does not supply sandbags.
If your home is in imminent danger or has been flooded please ring floodline on T: 0300 2000 100.
Keep yourself and others safe; avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions – It is not safe to drive in these conditions.
Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
If you live or work on the coast, beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Stormont storm press conference: PSNI ‘maximizing all available resources’
“We are maximizing all available resources. We have cancelled all non-essential operational activity and training. All those officers are being focused in terms of supporting this operation as best as possible.”
PSNI have been in contact with colleagues in the Gardai which “will continue throughout the next number of days.”
Police Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minster Emma Little-Pengelly pictured address the media on preparations and contingencies for Storm Éowyn at Parliament Buildings in Belfast this afternoon.Pacemaker
Michelle O’Neill: Plan carefully for prescriptions
Michelle O’Neill – “If you have a prescription that needs collected tomorrow try to get it today or else wait until after the red alert and the amber alert. If people need 999 that is still available but it will be very very difficult even for those services in the height of the storm.”
‘Don’t wait for phone alert’
Michelle O’Neill: ‘Plan now, prepare now, cancel things now. Do not wait for an alert on your phone.”
PSNI warn ‘make preparations now’
“The message from the police is do not travel, remain indoors and stay safe. We anticipate that this storm will bring the strongest winds experienced in NI since 1998 and that was the Boxing Day storm. We are preparing for this and will do all we can. I would encourage people to make preparations now. Ensure devices are charged, emergency lighting and torches accessible incase of power cuts.”
Stormont storm press conference: ‘Keep devices charged’
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly “We can all prepare for this, for example by making sure your devices are charged. It may be the case that many will lose electricity tomorrow. So in order to be kept up to date ensure your devices are charged and you do keep up to date with social media channels”
Stormont Storm press conference: ‘Do not travel unless essential’
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly: “Please do not travel tomorrow unless it is essential and work from home if you can. A number of councils have already closed facilities for tomorrow so there will be of announcements throughout the course of the day. Experienced emergency teams are ready to respond to the developing situation.”
Stormont press conference underway
Michelle O’Neill: “A red weather warning is rare and represents a genuine threat to life and property. We are expecting significant disruptions to public transport and we are also expecting potential power outages. The advice is not to travel between 7am and 2pm tomorrow.
“The health and social care system is making urgent contingency plans for both patients and staff just to keep people safe but anyone who is in urgent need of medical attention should call 999. Our emergency departments remain open for those who need urgent care.”
What to expect when ‘emergency alert’ is sent to mobile phones today
Trusts plan for significant disruption due to storm
The South Eastern and Northern Health and Social Care Trusts has said they are planning for significant disruption due to the storm.
Both trusts have said their focus “will be on maintaining safe services for acutely unwell patients within our inpatient facilities and protecting urgent and emergency care.”
Both trusts have said their focus “will be on maintaining safe services for acutely unwell patients within our inpatient facilities and protecting urgent and emergency care.”
They added: “Our message to patients and service users is that they should assume any scheduled appointments are cancelled unless contacted by the Trust to advise otherwise.”
The Northern Trust added: ” Given the advisory not to travel, we would encourage people to use our Phone First service, where appropriate, before travelling to our Emergency Departments.
“The Phone First triage service is available 8am-6pm, on 0300 123 1 123. In an emergency, always call 999.
“Please keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.
” Take care and stay safe.”
PSNI issues advice ahead of Storm Éowyn
Read more
News Catch Up – Thursday 23 January