Storm Éowyn is causing chaos in Northern Ireland with damage being caused to homes and multiple trees blocking roads across the province.
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.
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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Key updates
Reports of tree fallen through house in Whiteabbey
Windows of office blown in
Flying roof tile narrowly misses man securing trampoline in west Belfast
Weather warning for snow and ice issued
Bricks come off homes in south Belfast
Advice on staying safe as Storm Éowyn makes landfall
Bricks come off house in north Belfast
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
BBC Presenter Holly Hamilton stranded in a lift during Storm Éowyn
In a light-hearted post, Ms Hamilton took to social media to share her predicament.
“So it seems I’ll be weathering the rest of the storm in the BBC lift which has broken down with me inside,” she said.
But it’s not all bad as the BBC star added: “The good news is, it was on the way back from the vending machine so I have a Wispa.
“And at least it’s not windy in here.”
“So it seems I’ll be weathering the rest of the storm in the BBC lift which has broken down with me inside,” she said.
But it’s not all bad as the BBC star added: “The good news is, it was on the way back from the vending machine so I have a Wispa.
“And at least it’s not windy in here.”
Road outside north Belfast school partially blocked by tree
A tree has fallen across Fortwilliam Park.
Hotel roof has blown off in Mallusk
A roof appears to have came off a building and landed outside Josper’s and the Chimney Corner hotel.
A hotel roof has blown off in Mallusk as Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland on January 24th 2025.Kevin Scott
A hotel roof has blown off in Mallusk as Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland on January 24th 2025.Kevin Scott
A hotel roof has blown off in Mallusk as Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland on January 24th 2025.Kevin Scott
Tree blocking entrance to east Belfast park
Cherryvale Park in Belfast.Press Eye
More pics of south Belfast house badly damaged during storm
College Drive, South Belfast.Press Eye
College Drive, South Belfast.Presseye
Roof of Bangor Aurora Leisure Centre damaged
North Down MP Alex Easton, has been posting updates of the damage left by Storm Éowyn.
In a post on his Facebook account Mr Easton shared a picture of what appears to be damage to the roof of the Bangor Aurora Leisure Centre.
In a post on his Facebook account Mr Easton shared a picture of what appears to be damage to the roof of the Bangor Aurora Leisure Centre.
Reports of tree fallen through house in Whiteabbey
Our photographer is on the way.
Windows of office blown in
Multiple reports of trees and branches blocking lanes across motorway network, police say
In a post on social media, police have said they are receiving multiple reports of trees and branches blocking lanes across the motorway network.
The urged the public to pull in safely and contact the police, if they encounter debris blocking the road.
“If you come across a section of motorway that is not passable, pull in safely and contact police,” the post continued.
“If you come across a section of motorway that is not passable, pull in safely and contact police,” the post continued.
“DO NOT attempt to turn around and drive against the flow of traffic!
“This is putting everyone’s safety at enormous risk. Drivers should await for police to arrive to assist.
“If your journey is not essential, please stay at home.”
Tree blocking Newtownabbey road
A tree has fallen across Grays Lane, which connects the Antrim Road to the Shore Road.
Dunmurry road closed due to unsafe electricity pole
The Kingsway, Dunmurry is closed in both direction this morning, Friday 24th January due to an unsafe electricity pole. Please avoid the area and only travel if strictly necessary.
Tree fallen on North Road, east Belfast
North Road, east Belfast .Jonathan Porter /PressEye
North Road, east Belfast .Jonathan Porter/ Press Eye
Tree down in Carrickfergus
Tree down in Carrickfergus .John Magill
Tree down in Carrickfergus.John Magill
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.
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Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland