Storm Ashley: Flights cancelled and Belfast flood defences deployed as two weather warnings in force

All Aer Lingus flights that were scheduled to arrive at or depart from Belfast City Airport this afternoon and evening have been cancelled.
Planes had been due to fly between Belfast City and Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester and Southampton but have all been cancelled. 

Two British Airways exchanges with London Heathrow have all been cancelled; one plane that had been due to arrive at 12:20 and leave at 13:10 as well as another that had been due in at 18:55, leaving at 19:40.

The Met Office has upgraded its weather warning for the north and west of Northern Ireland from yellow to amber between 1pm and 8pm, affecting counties Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone and northern parts of County Antrim.
Power cuts are now rated as likely, as is the potential for flying debris causing a “risk to life and injury”.
Travel disruption and damage to buildings are now also considered probable.

The Met Office has advised to stay indoors as much as possible today. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees.

A yellow weather warning remains in force throughout Northern Ireland until midnight.