Storm Erik: Weather warning as Storm Erik blows in
- Published
A Met Office weather warning remains in place in Northern Ireland with strong winds causing travel disruption due to Storm Erik.
Winds in the region of 60mph (97km/h) are expected as the Atlantic system moves north east.
In Londonderry, the Foyle Bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles on Friday morning.
The Rathlin ferry service has been cancelled because of the weather.
Image source, PAcemaker A driver had a lucky escape in south Belfast after a tree fell onto their car on the Milltown Road, which has been closed by police.
The public has been warned of of disruption, with "delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport" likely.
NI Direct also warned that there could be "power cuts, large waves in coastal areas, fallen trees, and risk of flying debris".
The Milltown Road, Belfast is blocked in both directions near the junction with Belvoir Road following a tree having fallen in the area.
— PSNI Road Policing (@PSNITraffic) February 8, 2019
Motorists are advised to seek alternative main routes for their journey.
About 2,500 customers are without electricity in the Republic.
A yellow warning for Northern Ireland issued by the Met Office is in place until 15:00 GMT on Saturday.
Some #StormErik strongest gusts, so far:
— Barra Best (@barrabest) February 8, 2019
📌Down 122km/h (76mph)
📌Galway 122km/h (76mph)
📌Mayo 115km/h (72mph)
📌Derry 97km/h (60mph)
📌Cork 97km/h (60mph) @MetEireann & @metoffice warnings are in place right across Ireland. pic.twitter.com/IrHpbJ2JG8
The storm was named by Irish weather service Met Éireann, which has issued an orange warning for Counties Donegal, Galway, and Mayo.
It expects severe gusts of up to 80mph in those areas.
#StormErik almost a thing of beauty ... watch as the curl of cloud develops around the intensifying area of low pressure. pic.twitter.com/ZFoVKlmp5t
— Cecilia Daly (@WeatherCee) February 8, 2019
A Status Yellow warning has also been issued for the rest of the island.
Storm Erik brings 'weather bomb' conditions
by BBC News NI Weather Presenter Cecilia Daly
Erik is the sixth named storm this season, after Ali, Bronagh, Callum, Diana and Deirdre
Storm Erik will approach Ireland and the UK bringing severe and damaging gusts.
The low pressure area was deepening rapidly as it approached the north west of Ireland and north-west Scotland on Friday morning.
This is known as rapid cyclogenesis, or explosive cyclogenesis, because the centre of the low pressure drops quickly over a short period of time and therefore the storm intensifies rapidly.
This is also sometimes known as a weather bomb.
Peak gusts across Northern Ireland will be 60 to 70mph but could be close to 80mph towards the west coast of Ireland and this is why Met Éireann issued an orange warning for Counties Galway, Mayo and Donegal.
Stay up to date with the forecast here.
- 15 February
