Storm Isha brings amber weather warning for Northern Ireland

After a week of snow and ice affecting traffic, travel and schools across Northern Ireland, another storm is on the way next week.

The Met Office has issued an AMBER weather warning for strong winds - Storm Isha will bring a spell of very strong winds during Sunday evening into Monday.

According to the forecaster: "Gusts will frequently reach 50-60 mph, perhaps 70 mph at times in a few locations and, along exposed coastal stretches 80 mph is possible at times."

An amber warning will be in place between 6pm on Sunday 21st and 9am on Monday 22nd January 2024.

Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri, said: “Storm Isha will bring strong winds to the whole of the UK through Sunday and into Monday. The areas of particular concern are reflected by a large Amber severe weather warning which covers Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland, Wales, much of northern England as well as southwestern parts of England.

"“Storm Isha will bring a disruptive spell of weather to the UK with strong winds across the whole country. Heavy rain will cause additional hazards, particularly in the west."

What to expect 👇

💨 Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected

💨 Some roads and bridges likely to close

💨 Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs

💨 There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

💨 Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties

Northern Ireland five-day forecast:

Today: Early fog and icy patches will clear with strengthening southwesterly winds, then largely dry and bright for much of the day. Clouding over later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 4 °C.

Tonight: Increasingly cloudy and windy through the evening and overnight with outbreaks of rain arriving in the early hours. Coastal gales at times. Minimum temperature 3 °C.

Saturday: Bands of rain, with heavy bursts at times, will push eastwards on Saturday. Remaining cloudy and windy throughout with severe gales later for Irish Sea coasts. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Isolated showers at first Sunday. Heavy rain and very strong winds arrive later Sunday. Showers follow throughout Monday. Drier for a time Tuesday morning. Rain and strong winds arrive later.

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