More than 93,000 homes and business in Northern Ireland are currently without power, NIE has confirmed.
Dozens of flights have also been cancelled at Belfast airports this morning as high winds from Storm Éowyn begin to batter Northern Ireland.
Both Belfast International and Belfast City airports have seen scores of flights cancelled with passengers being urged to check the status of flights with airlines.
All schools in Northern Ireland are closed today 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
Flying roof tile narrowly misses man securing trampoline in west Belfast
Weather warning for snow and ice issued
Advice on staying safe as Storm Éowyn makes landfall
Government’s first ever mobile phone emergency alert sent
Stormont press conference: ‘Dangerous to think this is like any other storm’
More than 93,000 homes and businesses without power in NI
NIE Networks has confirmed it has activated its emergency plans in response to Storm Eowyn.
A spokesperson said: “Due to high winds, and with a red weather warning in place, we are experiencing widespread damage to the electricity network.
“Currently over 93,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland are off power. However, restoration efforts will take significant time as crews cannot begin to work until it is safe to do so. We anticipate we will begin assessing the damage to the network after 2pm once the red weather warning has been lifted.
“Currently over 93,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland are off power. However, restoration efforts will take significant time as crews cannot begin to work until it is safe to do so. We anticipate we will begin assessing the damage to the network after 2pm once the red weather warning has been lifted.
“We strongly advise customers, particularly anyone vulnerable, to shelter where you are until the red weather warning is lifted. Once the severe weather warnings are lifted, if your power is out, consider joining friends and relatives who have power.”
If a power cut does happen, it is crucial that you follow the below advice.
- Never touch damaged electricity equipment
- Check in on vulnerable family, neighbours and friends, without travelling while red warning is in place
- Keep the freezer door closed to help preserve your food
- Report a power cut via nienetworks.co.uk, WhatsApp, Facebook or call our helpline on 03457 643 643
Compensation advice for cancelled flights
As airports warn of disruption to flights, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has set out the rules around what compensation passengers may be entitled to.
A spokesperson said: “If a flight faces lengthy delays, airlines have a duty of care to look after their passengers, including providing food and drink, and accommodation if overnight.
“We will not hesitate to take action against any airlines not following these guidelines.”
According to the CAA, if your flight is significantly delayed, the airline is responsible for looking after you. They should provide meals and accommodation if necessary.
In case of cancellation, the airline must offer you a refund or alternative travel arrangements.
Airlines should proactively provide passengers with information about their rights when flights are disrupted.
Compensation may not be payable if an airline can prove the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances and this may include extreme weather which affects the safe operation of the flight.
A spokesperson said: “If a flight faces lengthy delays, airlines have a duty of care to look after their passengers, including providing food and drink, and accommodation if overnight.
“We will not hesitate to take action against any airlines not following these guidelines.”
According to the CAA, if your flight is significantly delayed, the airline is responsible for looking after you. They should provide meals and accommodation if necessary.
In case of cancellation, the airline must offer you a refund or alternative travel arrangements.
Airlines should proactively provide passengers with information about their rights when flights are disrupted.
Compensation may not be payable if an airline can prove the delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances and this may include extreme weather which affects the safe operation of the flight.
Garden fences down in Downpatrick
Flying roof tile narrowly misses man securing trampoline in west Belfast
Large tree snapped and taken down wall railings in Newtownabbey
A tree is blocking the path at the junction of Serpentine Road and Whitewell Road.
Weather warning for snow and ice issued
The Met Office has just issued another weather warning for Northern Ireland.
It says icy stretches and some snow showers will result in some hazardous driving conditions.
The alert is from 7pm this evening to 10am tomorrow.
The Met Office said: “Snow showers are expected to affect Northern Ireland during Friday afternoon and overnight into Saturday morning.
“Some small snow accumulations could develop in places, mainly on high ground in the west.
“However, ice is likely to be the main hazard, with icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces as temperatures fall this evening.”
The alert is in place for all six Northern Ireland counties.
It says icy stretches and some snow showers will result in some hazardous driving conditions.
The alert is from 7pm this evening to 10am tomorrow.
The Met Office said: “Snow showers are expected to affect Northern Ireland during Friday afternoon and overnight into Saturday morning.
“Some small snow accumulations could develop in places, mainly on high ground in the west.
“However, ice is likely to be the main hazard, with icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces as temperatures fall this evening.”
The alert is in place for all six Northern Ireland counties.
Tree down in Cultra
Motorway closed with multiple trees down
PSNI update on Storm Éoywn
The PSNI urge the public not to travel and stay indoors during Storm Éoywn.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “We are now in the red weather warning phase of Storm Éoywn, which will last until 2pm this afternoon. This means there is a significant risk to life and the public should not travel during this time and stay at home.
“There is currently severe disruption to the road network and overnight we received 70 reports of trees down and other debris on the roads. We expect this number to increase over the course of the day.
“This is being treated as a major incident and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to assist with this operation, both throughout and after Éowyn passes. I have met with the Strategic Coordination Group and continue to keep the First Minister and deputy First Minister updated.
“We have additional officers stood up today and will be ready to respond to calls where required. Members of the public should only contact 999 in an emergency.
“We anticipate serious disruption across our road network, public transport, health services and other public services. I continue to urge people be prepared and ensure you have emergency lighting such as torches easily accessible in the event of power cuts. Have ready access to additional blankets or sources of warmth in the event your heating supply is disrupted.
“Our message is clear; do not travel, remain indoors and stay safe.”
Tree fallen Crawfordsburn Road Bangor.Picture by PressEye
Tree down and electrical wires sparking on Suffolk Road, west Belfast
Warning: Video contains strong language
Tree down on Donegall Road
Operations at Belfast International Airport limited as it deals with ‘intermittent power outages’
In a statement a spokesperson said: “Operations at Belfast International Airport remain limited during Friday’s Red weather warning as Northern Ireland experiences the impact of Storm Éowyn.
“PSNI have advised that people should not travel on roads within the Met Office’s Red weather warning area – passengers should continue to follow that advice.
“Across the airport site we have experienced intermittent power outages, and we are working with our airline partners to understand how their flights will be impacted as the day goes on.
“This remains a fast-moving situation and flight schedules will continue to change over the coming hours. Passengers should continue to check with their airline throughout today and tomorrow for the latest updates to flights. If their flight is operating passengers are reminded to arrive at the airporttwo hours before their airlines scheduled departure time.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience at this time. Further updates will be provided in due course.”
More than 70 reports of trees down on the roads says police
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck has said that that NI roads are dangerous as expected, due to ‘significant amounts of debris’.
He told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster that more than 70 reports of trees down on the road have been made so far.
He told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster that more than 70 reports of trees down on the road have been made so far.
Bricks come off homes in south Belfast
M2 southbound closed due to fallen trees
The M2 southbound is closed between Dunsilly and Rathbeg, due to a number of fallen trees. Please seek an alternative route for your journey, and only travel if strictly necessary.
Glider stop destroyed by high winds in east Belfast
A glider stop in east Belfast destroyed as Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland .(Photo by Kevin Scott)
Strongest winds recorded in Northern Ireland so far
Two hours since the red warning came into force these are the strongest winds recorded:
- Killowen 92.2mph
- Orlock Head 85.6mph
- Thomastown 78mph
- Glenanne 77mph
- Aldergrove 76mph
- Katesbridge 71.1mph
Road in Dundonald closed due to fallen power lines
The Gransha Road, Dundonald is completely closed due to fallen power lines. Please seek an alternative route for your journey, and only travel if strictly necessary.
Tree down in Belfast
A tree down in Townsend Street as Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland .(Photo by Kevin Scott)
Video shows lights flashing on and off in Sperrin Mountains
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Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland