Storm Isha: tens of thousands of homes across Northern Ireland without power

Fresh weather warnings were in place today (Monday) across Northern Ireland as Storm Isha continues to cause widespread disruption to travel and power lines.

Around 45,000 homes were this morning currently without electricity.

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks said hundreds of extra staff had been brought in and incident centres opened.

NIE said the worst affected areas were Dungannon, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Newry and Omagh, however there are faults throughout Northern Ireland.

NIE Networks’ engineers and emergency crews were mobilised yesterday afternoon and worked to restore as many customers as they could. Those efforts are continuing this morning.

Randal Gilbert, NIE Networks Director said: “We have mobilised all our teams and will be doing all we can to restore power as quickly as we can however, the significant level of damage and the active weather warnings in place until Wednesday, mean it is likely that this will be a multi-day event.”

The Incident Management Centre at Craigavon and all Local Incident Centres across Northern Ireland have been opened to allow teams to coordinate a localised response.

Customers can report a power or any incidents of damage to the electricity network on the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. If customers are not answered by a call handler due to call volumes there will be a facility to leave a message.

A spokesperson continued:

“We would ask that people do not approach broken power lines or damaged poles or electrical equipment and to please report any damage immediately on 03457 643 643. We have additional engineers, call handlers and support staff helping to restore supplies and to provide regular updates to customers.”

“Powercheck on the NIE Networks website is another excellent resource for providing customers with reliable and real time information about a power cut and the status of restoration. Alternatively, customers can follow us on social media for regular updates and information.”

Meanwhile, flights and ferry sailings have been severely delayed or cancelled.

The sailing of a Stena Line ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead, due to arrive at 6.30pm on Sunday was delayed until at least 7.30am on Monday.

And airports were this morning urging travellers to check for latest flight updates.

In Belfast city centre scaffolding collapsed on a building at Castle Lane (main pic)

Dublin Airport said winds had eased and the first wave of flights on Monday continued "without restrictions", but because of delays caused by Storm Isha, 29 flights in and out of Dublin had been cancelled on Monday.

Elsewhere, the Foyle Bridge in Londonderry which had been closed, has now reopened in both directions with no restrictions now in place

The PSNI said the weather was putting "significant pressure" on the 999 system and urged people to report non-emergencies online or by calling 101.

Up until the early hours of the morning it had taken 600 storm-related calls.

Chief Superintendent Davy Beck said: "Conditions are likely to remain extremely challenging for some hours and a full multi-agency response, led by the Police Service, is underway."

A severe amber warning for high winds was in place overnight - with gusts up to 80mph reported.

This morning there is a yellow warning in place until Wednesday.