A yellow weather warning is in force throughout Northern Ireland until midnight as Storm Ashley arrives.
The Met Office says there is the potential for a ‘danger to life’ threat while the public have also been warned only to travel if absolutely necessary.
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PSNI warns the public of putting themselves in ‘unnecessary danger’
Temporary flood defences in place in Belfast
Aer Lingus flights cancelled
Amber weather warning added to NI
NIE activates local incident centres as Storm Ashely arrives in NI
PSNI warns the public of putting themselves in ‘unnecessary danger’
A spokesperson said: “The Met Office has now issued an amber weather warning for strong and disruptive winds from 1pm until 8pm for Fermanagh, Tyrone, Derry / Londonderry and north Antrim; while all counties remain under a yellow warning until midnight.
“Due to these expected unsettled travelling conditions, we are advising road users to exercise extra caution. Consider if your journey is necessary and take extra care if travelling.
“If you must travel, please bear the prevailing conditions in mind. Your journey may take longer than normal, please drive slowly to minimize the impact of wind gusts, and be aware of high-sided vehicles on more exposed roads. Fallen trees or flying debris are possible in the gale force winds.
“Reduce your speed and give more vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists more room than usual, especially when overtaking.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck added: “Consider the potential risks before you leave. Do not place yourself or others in unnecessary danger.”
Planes circling Dublin
This is the flight path of a Swiss Air flight from Zurich.
Belfast’s Victoria Park to close this evening
Translink warn of potential train delays
Temporary flood defences in place in Belfast
GAA finals cancelled
Update: The Tyrone final between Errigal Ciaran and Trillick at Healy Park has also now been cancelled. A new date has yet to be announced.
The senior football finals in Armagh and Cavan are still set to go ahead, as are hurling finals in Antrim, Derry and Down.
Aer Lingus flights 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.
Foyle Bridge restrictions in place
Traffic alert
Ferry services cancelled
Lane blocked by fallen tree in Newry
South Belfast bridge closed
Amber weather warning added to NI
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.
‘Difficult’ driving conditions reported across NI
When will the storm hit?
Showers are expected to come in to NI around lunch-time with the winds strengthening throughout the morning with gusts topping 50mph by 12 noon and reaching peaks of around 67mph at about 5pm.
What should I do?
Also consider keeping your phone and a power pack well charged up, with a torch handy in case of a power cut.
Those around the coast have been warned to be aware of large waves to and stay well clear.
What time does the weather warning end?
Only travel if absolutely necessary
Flooding in Co Down
UK set to be battered by up to 80mph winds in first named storm of season