Storm Darragh: thousands of households across Northern Ireland are now without electricity

Thousands of households across Northern Ireland are without electricity this morning (Saturday) as Storm Darragh caused widespread disruption to the network.

NIE Networks said around 46,000 of its customers had power cuts - and warned that number could rise across the day.

Hundreds of additional workers have been drafted in to help with the emergency.

And the PSNI has issued warnings over road closures as result of high winds and a deluge of rain water.

Meanwhile, in a statement the Department of Infrastructure said there would be multi-agency meetings throughout the weekend to tackle disruption.

Damage overnight included broken overhead power lines, fallen trees across lines and broken poles.

NIE Networks’ engineers are currently assessing the extent of the damage in each area affected and deploying staff and equipment to where they are most needed.

This process will take several hours to complete.

Repair work will begin as soon as it is safe for emergency crews to do so.

A spokesperson said; “Hundreds of extra staff have been brought in to help reinforce our normal capability. Our Incident Management Centre at Craigavon has been opened, as have our Local Incident Centres which are in locations across Northern Ireland and used by our teams to co-ordinate our localised response.

“We have mobilised additional call agents to deal with any queries customers may have regarding the repair process in their area.

“We would like to remind customers that if they should experience a power cut they can report the fault online at www.nienetworks.co.uk or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. Customers can also follow us on social media for regular updates.”

NIE Networks is also reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:

• Never approach broken overhead power lines or damaged poles and keep children and animals away. Report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.

• If you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost.

• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored.

• Take extra care if using candles.

• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries.

• Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.

• Customers who have lost supply should first find out if their neighbours are also without power and check household fuses and trip switches before contacting NIE Networks.

Meanwhile, Storm Darragh has also put paid to a number of sporting events today and the traditional Christmas markets in Belfast have been closed.

The Enchanted Winter Garden events at Antrim Castle Gardens have also been cancelled.

A number of flights at Belfast City Airport and Stena sailings have also been impacted as Northern Ireland's amber weather warning for high wind and rain continues.

Meanwhile, in a statement early today, the PSNI said: "Storm Darragh’s impact is now being felt throughout Northern Ireland, and we remind road users of the high risk of fallen trees and debris on the roads. Slow down, leave extra time for your journey and exercise caution."

Police highlighted a number of road closures in the Clogher area including the Ballagh Road.

A spokesperson said: "Police have received reports of a number of fallen trees and debris in the area. Please exercise caution."

And the Pettigo Road in Kesh is blocked due to a fallen electricity pole.

Police say motorists should find a different route for their journey.

The Department of Infrastructure said staff from all agencies are monitoring the situation and making preparations to respond to any impacts.

"The weather conditions could lead to debris on the roads, fallen trees and spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas," it said in a statement.

"Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible - please remember not to drive through flood water."

It added that road users should adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. "Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt. Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatchNI," the statement added.

Elsewhere, in the Republic Storm Darragh has swept across the country overnight with winds of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

An orange level wind alert remains in place and the public are advised to stay indoors for the next few hours, and avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.

Authorities have warned people to undertake only essential travel as Storm Darragh continues to lash Northern Ireland.

Trains and some bus services were suspended and nearly 50,000 customers left without power as high winds caused severe damage to the electricity network.

A bus was involved in a road crash in Co Antrim in the early hours of Saturday, while Stena Line ferry services from Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland have been cancelled.

A ferry remained off the coast of Co Antrim on Saturday, believed to have been hampered by weather conditions.

The Department for Infrastructure said multi-agency partners have been meeting in response to the Met Office's amber weather warning for wind which remains in place until 9pm.

In a statement, the Stormont department urged people to make only essential travel because road conditions are challenging.

They said disruption to bus and train services as well as some flights was continuing on Saturday afternoon and the Strangford ferry has been suspended until further notice.

"Translink have taken steps to mitigate against the effects of Storm Darragh. Additional buses are on standby. Additional support and teams are also on standby, including chainsaw crews, to assist with any fallen debris blocking the railway," a department spokesman said.

"If roads are blocked, it may be necessary to divert Ulsterbus or Goldliner services.

"Safety is Translink's number one priority. All passengers should check the Translink Journey Planner or social media channels in advance of travel and to allow extra time for their journeys.

"Department for Infrastructure staff have been working through the night to respond to approximately 900 incidents which are mainly debris on the roads, fallen trees and branches and flooding."

A Translink spokesperson said a driver on the bus involved in the collision in Co Antrim had been the only person on board at the time and was taken to hospital for treatment.

"We can confirm that the driver has since been discharged from hospital," they said.

"Our immediate priority is the welfare of our colleague, and we are providing support to them and their family. An internal investigation is under way, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances of the incident."

A number of roads, including Castle Street in Belfast city centre, were closed on Saturday morning while clean-up work was carried out.

Some events in Northern Ireland, including three Irish League football clashes and a planned vigil in Belfast for the women of Afghanistan have been called off, while the Apprentice Boys of Derry shutting of the gates event in Londonderry is still set to go ahead.

The Belfast Christmas Market is not expected to open, with organisers saying they need to ensure visitors and traders are kept safe.

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) said about 48,000 customers were without power on Saturday morning following a night of high winds causing "widespread" damage to the network with broken overhead power lines, fallen trees across lines and broken poles.

In the Republic of Ireland, almost 400,000 customers are without power.

A spokesperson for NIE Networks said hundreds of extra staff have been brought in, adding: "Our incident management centre at Craigavon has been opened, as have our local incident centres which are in locations across Northern Ireland and used by our teams to co-ordinate our localised response.

"We have mobilised additional call agents to deal with any queries customers may have regarding the repair process in their area.

"We would like to remind customers that if they should experience a power cut they can report the fault online at nienetworks.co.uk or call the NIE Networks customer helpline on 03457 643 643. Customers can also follow us on social media for regular updates."