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.
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Read our live blog with all the latest weather coverage here:
Key updates
Cabinet Office issues statement on emergency alert
Belfast International Airport issues statement
Stormont press conference underway
What to expect when ‘emergency alert’ is sent to mobile phones today
Flights likely to be impacted – airport
Department of Education orders all NI schools to close
Tesco stores in Northern Ireland to close due to storm
Due to red weather warnings, Tesco stores in Northern Ireland will be closed tomorrow, Friday 24 January.
They remain open as normal on Thursday evening.
In a message to customers Tesco said it means Home Delivery and Click+Collect orders scheduled for Friday will be cancelled. If you have a slot booked, you will be contacted to confirm next steps.
Tesco said stores will reopen when the red warning is lifted for NI and it’s safe to do so.
They remain open as normal on Thursday evening.
In a message to customers Tesco said it means Home Delivery and Click+Collect orders scheduled for Friday will be cancelled. If you have a slot booked, you will be contacted to confirm next steps.
Tesco said stores will reopen when the red warning is lifted for NI and it’s safe to do so.
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”.
Ambulance service planning for major disruption tomorrow
Spars to close during red alert
Spar NI has said it will close during the red weather warning
“Your safety is our priority therefore shoppers may experience SPAR store closures during the red weather warning on Friday 24th January. Stores will aim to reopen one hour after the red alert lifts, if it is safe to do so.
“Keep an eye on your local store social media accounts for the most up to date information.
“Please stay safe.”
Health Minister issues update ahead of Storm Éowyn
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I would urge people to follow the advice of the police and to stay home and stay safe until this major storm passes through.
“The key focus of the Health and Social Care system is on maintaining safe services for acutely unwell patients within our inpatient facilities and protecting urgent and emergency care.
“All parts of the health service are working hard on contingency planning and in providing vital services for those who are most vulnerable. Patients with GP appointments, booked for tomorrow, who have not already been contacted by their Practice, should phone their GP Practice for advice before making a decision to travel.
“Urgent and Emergency Care services will remain open as normal. Given the advice not to travel patients are encouraged to use the Phone First Service for their local HSC Trust before travelling to an Emergency Department.
“Of course, you should not hesitate to call 999 if you or someone you care for is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
“The message to patients and service users is that they should assume any scheduled appointments and planned procedures are cancelled unless contacted by the Trust to advise otherwise. If your appointment is affected, Trust staff will be in touch to reschedule as soon as possible. I want to reassure patients, particularly those with the most serious conditions, that they will receive new appointments as soon as possible.”
It is expected that the severe disruption tomorrow will have an impact on services over the next few days.
The Minister added: “Staff in all parts of health and social care have been working under tremendous pressure in recent weeks and I know they will do all they can to provide vital services for patients and service users tomorrow, as they do each and every day. Please support them in their efforts and I hope everyone will stay safe.”
Airport: Operations will be limited
Belfast International Airport has issued an update ahead of tomorrow’s storm.
A spokesperson said operations “will be limited” during the red weather warning.
“PSNI have advised that people should not travel on roads within the Met Office’s Red weather warning area – passengers and staff are urged to follow that advice,” they said.
“The airport remains in conversations with airline partners and will seek to facilitate their operations where we are able to do so. Airlines will make decisions on the operations of their own flights. Passengers should continue to contact their airline for their latest flight information.
“This is a fast-moving situation and flight schedules will continue to change over the coming hours so passengers should continue to check with their airline throughout today and tomorrow.
“Translink will not operate any airport bus services for the duration of the red weather warning so passengers should make alternative arrangements.
“We will provide updates when we can but we would also advise passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flights.”
A spokesperson said operations “will be limited” during the red weather warning.
“PSNI have advised that people should not travel on roads within the Met Office’s Red weather warning area – passengers and staff are urged to follow that advice,” they said.
“The airport remains in conversations with airline partners and will seek to facilitate their operations where we are able to do so. Airlines will make decisions on the operations of their own flights. Passengers should continue to contact their airline for their latest flight information.
“This is a fast-moving situation and flight schedules will continue to change over the coming hours so passengers should continue to check with their airline throughout today and tomorrow.
“Translink will not operate any airport bus services for the duration of the red weather warning so passengers should make alternative arrangements.
“We will provide updates when we can but we would also advise passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flights.”
Fire service ready to respond to incidents
Storm alert
This is the message sent to mobile phones across Northern Ireland in the last few minutes, warning people to stay indoors.
Cabinet Office issues statement on emergency alert
A Cabinet Office Spokesperson said: “The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind on Friday 24th January, meaning there is a danger to life across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland
“In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue Emergency Alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
“The Emergency Alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.
“Mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound even if they are set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
“Approximately 4.5 million people will receive the Emergency Alert in the largest real life use of the tool to date.
“The UK Government has well rehearsed plans in place for severe winter weather and is working with teams from devolved governments, local authorities, the emergency services and other public bodies to coordinate the response to any disruption.”
The UK-wide emergency alert system
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.”
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News Catch Up – Thursday 23 January