Storm Diana: Weather warning issued as '60-70mph gusts' set to batter Northern Ireland
Batten down the hatches... 💨🌀🍂🍃
Last updated 27th Nov 2018
Hold on to your hats, it's about to feel very autumnal.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for blustery conditions as Storm Diana is expected hit disrupting travel across Northern Ireland tomorrow.
According to forecasters; "Gusts 50 to 60 mph are likely in some places on Wednesday, with potential for gusts of 70 mph around exposed coasts and hills, with large waves an additional hazard. The strongest winds are expected during mid-afternoon".
The adverse weather could impact travel plans during the morning commute.
"Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. Some roads and bridges may close."
"With trees still in full leaf, there are likely to be branches and trees down - and some structural damage is possible. Power cuts may occur"
"Driving will be dangerous at times, especially when combined with heavy downpours."
The warning comes into effect from 09:00 Wednesday lasting through until 23:59.
In September Storm Ali wreaked havoc across Northern Ireland. Fallen trees left thousands of homes without power and lead to school closures and one fatality.
Storm Diana was named earlier this week by the IPMA Portuguese weather service.
NORTHERN IRELAND FOUR DAY FORECAST
Tuesday - Cloudy with gusty winds at first, heavy rain expected in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 9°C.
Wednesday - Wet and windy at times, coastal gales, perhaps severe at times. Maximum temperature 10°C.
Thursday - Mainly overcast with showers through the day. Maximum temperature 9°C.
Friday - Mainly overcast with showers through the day. Maximum temperature 9°C.
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.