Amber weather warning issued for parts of NI as Storm Bram sweeps in
The storm is already causing disruption
Weather warnings have been upgraded in parts of Northern Ireland as Storm Bram sweeps in.
The MET Office says an amber alert for “extremely strong winds” could bring gusts of over 80 miles per hour around coasts and over hill in Counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone.
That warning is in force from 2pm until 7pm.
Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning for wind is now in force across Northern Ireland, which is now due to last until 10pm.
The storm is already causing disruption with some flights from Belfast City Airport cancelled today, as well as some Stena Line ferry crossings.
The PSNI is also urging drivers to take care on the roads. A statement said, “Road users are advised to reduce speed and drive with extra caution given this morning’s wet road conditions. Heavy rain has resulted in surface water and flooding of roads in many areas.”
“Leave plenty of time for your journey - and keep a safe distance between vehicles in front.”
The Belfast Continental Christmas market is also closed for the day.
Organisers said, “We recognise this may be disappointing, however the safety of our visitors and traders is of the utmost importance.”
“At the moment the plan is to reopen on Wednesday 10th December, however this is weather dependent.”
Stormont’s Department for Infrastructure says multi-agency preparations are underway to respond to any impacts as a result of the storm.
The Department’s roads and rivers teams have been checking and clearing road gullies and other drainage and infrastructure, and additional staff are on standby to respond to incidents.