Storm Erik to batter Northern Ireland with '60-70 mph' gusts tomorrow
Disruptive gales forecast this weekend... ⚠️💨🌲🍃
Storm Erik, an intense low pressure system named by the Met Office and Met Eireann, is expected to bring gale force winds and torrential rain to parts of Northern Ireland this weekend.
The Met Office has issued two yellow warnings and are advising the public to expect possible disruption.
According to forecasters; "Strong southwesterly winds are expected to develop during Friday morning before gradually easing during Saturday. Inland gusts of 50 mph are expected quite widely, with gusts of 60-70 mph likely around some coasts."
The north and west are expected to bear the brunt of the strongest winds.
Forecasters are warning that the fifth named storm of the season could impact weekend sporting events and travel plans.
"Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close", says the Met Office.
"Winds will lead to large waves affecting coasts and the possibility of waves overtopping some coastal routes."
The first wind warning comes into affect from 09:00 Friday lasting through until 18:00 - followed by a separate overnight warning for gale force winds between 00:15 and 15:00 Saturday.
NORTHERN IRELAND WEEKEND FORECAST
Thursday - Bright day with some sunny spells. A few showers in the north and west, while Armagh and Down should stay dry. Outbreaks of rain to all parts tonight. High 7°C / Low 5°C
Friday - Wet and windy start. Becoming drier and brighter through the morning, then a bright afternoon to follow with a few showers, turning very windy. High 10°C / Low 5°C
Weekend - Showery on Saturday with westerly gales, severe first thing. Winds should ease later in the afternoon. Colder but brighter on Sunday with sunny spells.
It looks like the cold snap which gripped much of the province during early-February is over, for now.
STORM NAMES FOR THE 2018/2019 SEASON
Storms are named by the Met Office or, in Ireland, Met Eireann, in order to raise public awareness of approaching bad weather.
In September, the Met Office and Met Éireann unvealed a list of the names of this seasons storms.
First introduced in 2015, this is the fourth year they have jointly run the ‘Name our Storms’ scheme, aimed at raising awareness of severe weather before it hits.
The first storm was ‘male’ and named Ali, while the second storm will be ‘female’ and named Bronagh, following the alternating male/female pattern established by the US National Hurricane Center in the 1970s.