Everything you need to know about ex-hurricane Ophelia
Gusts of 70-80mph expected this afternoon
Last updated 16th Oct 2017
The Met Office is forecasting a spell of potentially very windy, disruptive weather for later today. Forecasters say the storm could pose a threat to life and are asking people not to make any unnecessary journeys.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS IN CASE OF FLOODING OR AN EMERGENCY
WHEN IS THE WORST OF THE STORM EXPECTED?
Ophelia made landfall in the Republic of Ireland this morning and Northern Ireland is expected to feel the full effects of it this afternoon.
Over 100,000 homes and businesses in Ireland are already without power. It could be several days before full service is restored.
The Met Office has updated its 'Amber' warning valid from 1200 to 2300 for damaging gusts of between 70 to 80mph in exposed parts of the country.
That will be followed by a 'Yellow alert' through Monday night and into Tuesday.
Northern Ireland Electricity has initiated an escalation plan and has emergency crews, engineers and call handlers on stand-by in case of power outages.
HEALTH SERVICE
The Department of Health has issued an advisory note on service provision within the Health and Social Care system today due to Storm Ophelia.
A number of changes to planned appointments, treatments and day care services have been announced.
Changes to services are as follows:
- Belfast Trust – The Trust provides a number of regional specialties, which necessitate people travelling from a wide area. Therefore, all outpatient appointments are postponed this afternoon and all elective day cases have also been postponed. All patients affected will be contacted and alternative provision will be made for as early a date as possible. Day centres will be closed by 12pm and service users will be transported home with a meal provided.
- Western Trust – All routine outpatient appointments and routine treatments for this afternoon at Altnagelvin Hosptial, Omagh Hospital and Primary Care and the South West Acute Hospital have been postponed. The Trust is contacting people directly with regards to their appointments. Day care services will be closed this afternoon – again, the Trust has made direct contact with clients and their families to confirm arrangements
- .Northern Trust - All outpatient appointments will proceed as normal today. All day centres and adult centres will close at lunch time.
- The Southern and South Eastern Trusts – both Trusts plan to maintain hospital and community services today
ARE SCHOOLS OPEN TODAY?
As a precaution, all schools, universities and colleges across Northern Ireland are closed.
A further update on school closures will be issued on Monday afternoon.
WHAT ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THE AIRPORTS?
Shortly before 3pm on Monday Translink announced it was suspending all of its services because of the weather.
A spokesperson said:
“The safety of our passengers and staff is our top priority.
“Due to severe weather conditions as a result of ex-Hurricane Ophelia, Metro and Goldline services will be suspended from 5.30pm this evening.
“Ulsterbus and Goldline services from other locations across Northern Ireland will also be suspended later this afternoon. Contact your local bus station or depot.
“NI Railways services will be suspended this evening – for full details see here: http://www.translink.co.uk/weatherdisruption/
Both Belfast airports are expecting delays and cancellations to flights. The advice is to contact the airline you are travelling with.
Dublin Airport is also expecting widespread disruption later this afternoon.
OTHER DISRUPTION
The South Eastern Health Trust has suspended the patient transport service to day centres.
Some businesses like IKEA are sending staff home and closing early for safety reasons. The same measures are being taken at tourist attractions like Titanic Belfast. The Belfast Bikes scheme will also be suspended from midday.
Forest parks operated by the Department of Agriculture are also being closed for safety reasons.
First Trust Bank and Ulster Bank will also be shutting their branches and call centres from lunchtime.