Dozens of flights have 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.
Tens of thousands of homes are also without power this morning.
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
Advice on staying safe as Storm Éowyn makes landfall
Flights cancelled at Belfast Airport
Storm alert
Stormont storm press conference: ‘Dangerous to think this is like any other storm’
Strongest winds to hit NI since 1998
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
Tens of thousands of home without power across NI
Dozens of flights cancelled as Storm Éowyn batters Northern Ireland
Good morning. Dozens of flights at airports in Northern Ireland have been cancelled this morning as Storm Éowyn batters the province with high winds.
Belfast International Airport said that there will be significant disruption to flights today and that many flights have been cancelled during the morning period. The airport urged passengers to check with airlines for the latest flight status.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Airport said: A”s a result of the adverse weather expected, there may be some disruption to flights due to arrive and depart from Belfast City Airport.
“Passengers are advised check the status of their flight with the airline.”
Belfast International Airport said that there will be significant disruption to flights today and that many flights have been cancelled during the morning period. The airport urged passengers to check with airlines for the latest flight status.
A spokesperson for Belfast City Airport said: A”s a result of the adverse weather expected, there may be some disruption to flights due to arrive and depart from Belfast City Airport.
“Passengers are advised check the status of their flight with the airline.”
Emergency services attending serious crash in Donegal
Emergency services are attending a serious traffic collision on N14 north of Lifford, in Donegal.
Red weather warning now in place
560,000 premises now without power in Republic of Ireland
There are an unprecedented number of homes and businesses without power this morning in the Republic of Ireland this morning.
The Irish Independent reports as of 6am, 560,000 are without power.
The Irish Independent reports as of 6am, 560,000 are without power.
PSNI issue warning
Today’s front page of the Belfast Telegraph
Tree fallen on road in Dunmurry
Live tracker of Storm Éowyn
PSNI warns public to stay safe as high winds batter NI
Advice on staying safe as Storm Éowyn makes landfall
Storm Éowyn makes history
Thousands of homes without power across NI
Homes evacuated during security alert in Derry as storm hits NI
Several homes have been evacuated following reports of a suspicious object in Londonderry.
The alert began shortly after midnight in the Canterbury Park and Winchester Park areas of the city.
Pictures from the scene show police at the scene with several cordons in place.
It’s understood several homes have been evacuated.
Several homes have been evacuated following reports of a suspicious object in Londonderry.
The alert began shortly after midnight in the Canterbury Park and Winchester Park areas of the city.
Pictures from the scene show police at the scene with several cordons in place.
It’s understood several homes have been evacuated.
Flights cancelled at Belfast Airport
A substantial number of departing flights coming out of Belfast City Airport tomorrow have been cancelled as a result of Storm Eowyn.
So far, almost 30 flights have been cancelled with a number already being cancelled at Belfast International Airport
Cancellations at Belfast City Airport will begin at 6.30am, half an hour before the red weather warning commences, and will last up until 6.50pm in some cases.
Met Office tracking storm over UK
Ambulance service planning for major disruption tomorrow
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News Catch Up – Thursday 23 January