Police warn against unnecessary journeys as Storm Debi brings strong winds to Northern Ireland

Police are asking people to stay at home where possible, with the arrival of Storm Debi expected to brings gusts of up to 75 miles per hour to some parts of Northern Ireland.

An amber warning for strong winds is in place for Counties Down and Armagh this morning, meanwhile the rest of the country is under a yellow warning.

The MET office says the likelihood of flying debris means there's a potential danger to life, and to not place yourself in unnecessary danger.

A PSNI statement said, “The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind affecting counties Down and Armagh from 06:00am, Monday 13th November until 12pm. A yellow warning for wind and rain is in place for the rest of Northern Ireland between 03:00am , Monday 13th November until 2pm.”

“Storm Debi is likely to bring very strong winds to the south-east of Northern Ireland on Monday morning. There is the likelihood of flying debris, which could lead to the possibility of injuries or the potential danger to life.”

“Please stay at home where possible and do not make unnecessary journeys. If you must travel, please bear the prevailing conditions in mind. Motorists should be advised of longer travel times for journeys”

“Consider the potential risks before you leave. Do not place yourself or others in unnecessary danger.”

Meanwhile the MET office has warned Storm Debi is likely to bring “very strong and disruptive winds” to southeast Northern Ireland this morning (Mon)

The MET office says to expect:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life

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

• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, and ferry services are affected

• Some roads and bridges likely to close

• 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

A spell of very strong winds is expected to develop on Monday morning across County Armagh and County Down in association with Storm Debi.

Inland gusts of 60-65 mph are likely in places whilst along the coast gusts of up to 75 mph are expected. Winds will gradually ease during the afternoon.

Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland, some schools have been asked to delay opening, as weather warnings came into effect for the entire island.

Power outages have been reported across Ireland and spot flooding has been reported in areas of the west coast, including Salthill in Galway.

Dublin Airport has also warned the weather "may cause some disruption to early morning flights"

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