Eimear Flanagan News NI
About 22,000 properties in Northern Ireland remain without power on Saturday morning following damage to the electricity network caused by Storm Amy.
At the height of the storm, about 65,000 customers were without power, but by 22:00 BST on Friday that figure had reduced to about 40,000.
On Friday afternoon, a peak wind gust of 92mph (148km/ph) – provisionally a new October record – was recorded at the Magilligan weather station in County Londonderry.
In the Republic of Ireland, a man in his 40s died in County Donegal in a “weather-related incident” and about 120,000 properties remain without power.
On Saturday, a yellow wind warning for all of Northern Ireland remains in place until 23:59 BST.
A further yellow weather warning for rain has been issued, lasting until midday on Saturday.
NIE Networks anticipates that it may take a number of days before the restoration process fully concludes.
On Friday, flights and trains were cancelled and a number of roads were closed due to the storm.
Several trees came down, including on the Ravernet Road in Lisburn and on Creighton Road, Glencairn Way and Strathmore Park South in Belfast.
Heavy rain caused flooding in several areas including the A26 Moira Road and the Whitebridge Road in Ballygawley, County Tyrone, where a river overflowed.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the “recovery operation” would continue over the weekend.
“We are particularly urging road users to exercise extra care and attention when driving,” a PSNI spokeswoman said on Saturday morning.
“Surface water, flooding, fallen debris or temporary restrictions are all a strong possibility.
“Some roads are currently closed due to fallen trees or flooding. Everyone should still avoid unnecessary travel but if you must travel take extra care and please reduce your speed.”
At Dublin Airport, about 20 of Saturday’s flights have been cancelled by airlines as winds continue to disrupt some operations.
But its spokesman Graeme McQueen said a number of flights which could not take off on Friday “departed during this morning’s first wave”.
“Wind speeds are due to decrease gradually through the day and most airlines are expecting to run full schedules,” he added.
“However, with further disruption possible, passengers due to fly today should keep in touch with their airline for latest updates on the status of their flight.”
On Friday the Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland told schools in counties Antrim, Londonderry, Tyrone and Fermanagh to close at midday “in the interests of safety” and Translink closed all train lines in Northern Ireland.
Emergency contacts
To report faults or emergencies you should contact:
- Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 03448 920 901
- Openreach: 08000 23 20 23
- Gas networks: 0800 002001
- NI Water: 03457 44 00 88 or visit niwater.com
- Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100
- NIE Networks: 03457 643 643 or visit nienetworks.co.uk
