Storm Éowyn: Translink cancels all rail services as high winds continue to cause chaos across NI

Paul McCusker of the People’s Kitchen said St Mary’s Church hall in Belfast was among the places offering shelter to rough sleepers overnight.

Speaking on BBC’s Talkback, he explained that several organisations had been working over the past few days to ensure support was available for those affected.

He also noted that the Housing Executive had activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), opening additional shelter options.

McCusker added that the People’s Kitchen will remain open throughout the day, continuing to provide shelter and support.

With more adverse weather expected, SWEP will also remain in place through the weekend.

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. 

A spokesperson for the airport said that operations at the airport remain limited, with all flights cancelled, while a red weather warning remains in place.  
They added: “Although all flights have been cancelled for the duration of the red weather warning, we expect some flights to begin operating later this afternoon. We are working with our airline partners to understand which flights they plan to operate. 

“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.  

“Passengers should check status of their flight before attending the airport.  If their flight is operating once the Red weather warning has passed, and they chose to travel, passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport two hours before their airlines scheduled departure time.

 “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. Please follow the guidance from the PSNI and NI Direct. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience at this time. Further updates will be provided in due course.”

Belfast City Council has made residents aware of arrangements which have been put in place for any bins or Bryson Recycling boxes which have not been emptied today (Friday 24 January) due to Storm Éowyn.

 

* Bins should be left out by 7am tomorrow morning (Saturday 25 January). If they are not emptied tomorrow, residents should bring them back in, and then leave out again by 7am on Sunday 26 January.

* Bryson Recycling boxes will be done on their next scheduled collection date. Further info about specific arrangements for these are on our website – belfastcity.gov.uk/weather 

 

Belfast City Council will be updating its website and social media channels again today with further information for all services and venues on Saturday 25 January, once confirmed – belfastcity.gov.uk/weather

You can follow us at @belfastcc on X/Twitter and @belfastcitycouncil on Facebook.

 Speaking on the BBC’s Talkback, NIFRS Group Commander Alan O’Neill urged the public to remain vigilant even after the red weather warning ends this afternoon. 
“We still expect the weather to cause difficulties, right through, probably into tomorrow morning,” he said. 
Mr O’Neill added that while the red alert was only in place until 2pm, an amber alert would be in force until 9pm tonight. 
“We would really encourage the public to stay at home and not do anything unless it absolutely essential, because the roads are  treacherous, so they’re putting themselves at risk,” he added. 
Earlier today, NIFRS confirmed it had received over 160 calls since the first yellow weather warning came into force last night. 
Mr O’Neill said he wasn’t able to confirm if there had been any significant injuries reported but said that the storm has already had a  “significant impact” on people and properties across NI. 

A tree on a Belfast street made famous by Sir Van Morrison has crashed into a garden. This was the scene on Cyprus Avenue earlier.
‘Cyprus Avenue’ was a song on Sir Van’s 1968 album Astral Weeks.

Drumrane Primary School in Burnfoot Village, is among the buildings damaged as NI is battered by strong winds. 

In a post on X the water company said it was aware of customers losing supply in the following areas:

A spokesperson added: “We will dispatch repair crews to these areas as soon as it safe to do so – thanks for your patience.”
Further details are available at https://orlo.uk/6jtY7

From midnight until 10am on Friday January, 24, NIFRS Regional Control Centre received the following emergency calls:
36 calls related to fallen trees,
3 calls related to electrical polls, and
2 calls related to road traffic collisions.
Fire Crews were mobilised to 59 of these incidents.
Group Commander, Alan O’Neill said:“Throughout this period of heightened operational activity we continued to respond to other incidents, including animal rescues, collapsed buildings, hazardous materials, and property fires.

“NIFRS is reminding the public to heed safety messaging at this time and act responsibility to stay safe.

“Please pay attention to the road closure advice as many roads are closed for the safety of road users.”

In the event of serious flooding to phone the NI Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.
Obstructions can be reported at www.nidirect.gov.uk or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899. If there is a risk to life dial 999 immediately and we will respond.

More information and advice can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk.

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.”

A tree has fallen across Fortwilliam Park.

A roof appears to have came off a building and landed outside Josper’s and the Chimney Corner hotel. 

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.