Storm Éowyn: Emergency alert will be sent to mobile phones, First Minister reveals after all NI schools ordered to close

A spokesperson for Belfast International Airport said: “We are actively monitoring the forecast weather conditions alongside our partners and government agencies and anticipating that the weather alert issued will result in flights being impacted tomorrow. 
“To those intending to travel, we would ask that you check with the airlines and keep reviewing our website for the most up to date information about departures and arrivals. Any cancellations or delays will be a decision for the airlines. 
“The airport, the airlines and their handling agents are all increasing their staffing; however, it is also possible that flights may need to be redirected to us from other airports for safety reasons, which will also stretch resources. 
“Passenger and staff safety is our primary concern. All passengers should be aware that disembarkation from aircraft will not be attempted in extremely high winds, due to the very real safety risks of using steps at such a height during the wind speeds anticipated, so please plan accordingly, especially for those who may require medication or for passengers with young children. 
“If you are travelling, please allow extra time for your journey to the airport and follow the advice of NI Direct and the PSNI.”

Ulster University has announced it will close all NI campus buildings and grounds and will move activity online. 

The university said ‘nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students’ and the decision ‘is in line with the Met Office guidance to stay at home and limit travel as far as possible tomorrow’.

It said experience from the pandemic allows them to move to online activity as needed in ‘extraordinary circumstances such as this’.  

Emma Little-Pengelly says agencies are working together “to keep the people of Northern Ireland safe”.

“You can play your part by following the advice and only travelling if it is essential to and work at home,” she said.

She says the red alert for Northern Ireland is “highly unusual” and expects other alerts to come out today.

This morning’s red warning is the first one issued for NI by the Met Office since the forecaster moved to impact-based warnings in 2011.

Earlier today Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.” 

Belfast Zoo will be closed on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 January due to a weather warning in place for strong winds.

People are also being advised not to visit forests, country parks and nature reserves until the strong winds weather warning is over. This is because of the increased risks of fallen trees, branches and debris.

In the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area, Antrim Castle Gardens will be closed.

In the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, all harbours and marinas will be closed and members of the public are discouraged from driving onto Benone Strand, Castlerock Beach and Downhill Strand.

A number of others sites will also be closed, including Ramore Head in Portrush, Anderson Park and Christie Park in Coleraine, Riverside Park in Ballymoney, Garvagh Forest, and Cottage Wood in Cushendall.

Councils are advising people to keep checking their websites and social media accounts for updates regarding any disruption to services, including bin collections and the opening of council buildings and facilities.

Supermarket Lidl has confirmed it is set to close its stores tomorrow during the red weather warning. 

A spokesperson said:  “Due to Storm Éowyn, all Lidl Ireland / Lidl Northern Ireland stores will close on Friday 24 January during any red weather warning that is in place.

“Stores are planned to reopen one hour after weather warnings lift in local areas, if safe to do so. Customers are advised to check latest weather warning information for their local area.”

SDLP Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said the Executive must provide a clear response following a red warning for Storm Éowyn.

Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: “Myself and my party colleagues across the North have been inundated with requests for clarity about what precautions are being taken following the red weather warning for Storm Éowyn. Everyone is concerned about safety and how public services will be impacted and they have been disappointed by the lack of communication from the Executive, despite knowledge this storm was coming. I welcome the clarity provided around schools, but there can be no delays in the issuing of advice.

“It’s farcical that we have two different weather warnings in place for the North and South of this island, storms don’t stop at the border. While the Irish Government have acted early and provided clear advice to people about the risks posed by this storm, we were left waiting to the last minute, with less than 24 hours notice causing chaos for people who have been left with very little time to plan.

“I would urge the public to heed this storm warning, it has the potential to be very dangerous and people should take every precaution necessary to keep them and those around them safe. I would also like to commend all of the staff who will be working over the next few days to make sure that our roads are passable, that our power and water stays on and that the public are kept safe as possible.”

The last time all schools in Northern Ireland were advised to close due to weather was due to Hurricane Ophelia in October 2017.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland is under a Status Red wind warning for Friday, with schools and creches to close tomorrow and workers urged to work from home as Storm Éowyn brings a “danger to life”.

The storm is set to land in the Republic in the early hours of tomorrow morning and has been described as probably “among the severest storms that Ireland has ever seen”.

The Vice-President and Chief People Officer at Queen’s University Belfast has confirmed the campus will be closed tomorrow.
In a message to students Alistair Finlay said:  “We have taken the decision to close the university campus tomorrow (Friday, 24 January) in response to the red weather warning of wind in place across Northern Ireland. The strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn are expected to cause very dangerous conditions, widespread disruption and significant impacts.
All work and teaching delivery arrangements will move online where possible.
Arrangements in your School or area will be communicated locally. Some colleagues will continue to work on campus to carry out crucial roles, delivering and supporting essential services. For those colleagues, I would ask you to discuss any impact this may have with your line manager and agree your arrangements for tomorrow as soon as possible.
As always, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our people is our first priority and the closure will help minimise the risk to our students and staff.”