Storm Gareth: Strong wind and rain across NI
By Barra Best
BBC News NI Weather Presenter
- Published
Storm Gareth, the seventh storm of this winter, has arrived, bringing very strong winds and rain.
Across NI, a yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office from 15:00 GMT on Tuesday until 12:00 on Wednesday.
At Malin Head, County Donegal, gusts reached 80mph (130km/h) while winds were at 62mph (100km/h) at Orlock Head, County Down, on Tuesday afternoon.
Stronger gusts are expected through this evening and overnight with disruption likely in places.
Gusts of 56mph (90km/h) were recorded at Magilligan, County Londonderry, and 53mph (85km/h) in Castlederg, County Tyrone, and Ballypatrick Forest, County Antrim.
Translink has warned that there may be "some delays and disruption possible to bus and train services".
Larges waves will affect coastal areas, especially to the north and north west. A weather warning is in place.
#StormGareth wind gust of 130km/h (80mph) at Malin Head in County Donegal at 4pm. Big waves have reached Portstewart on the north coast. Video by Damien Duffy: pic.twitter.com/QMKqZmzTZt
— Barra Best (@barrabest) March 12, 2019
P&O ferries said sailings between Dublin and Liverpool have been cancelled because of the weather.
The company has advised Larne to Cairnryan passengers to rearrange travel if they can as "delays/cancellations are likely later".
Belfast Harbour said cruise ships and passengers have been forced to remain docked because of the storm.
More severe gusts will move in on Tuesday evening, with speeds of 55-65mph (88-105km/h) widely inland, but up to 80mph (129km/h) towards the north-west and north coast.
Storm Gareth could bring large waves to coastal areas, as well as a small chance of damage to buildings, said the Met Office.
#StormGareth will bring very strong winds for Tuesday evening's rush hour, as well as heavy rain for some too. Hill snow will affect parts of Scotland. Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/Wv4FYUt4qC
— Met Office (@metoffice) March 12, 2019
In Derry, the Foyle Bridge has a restricted 30mph (48km) speed limit and is closed to high sided vehicles.
The Broomhill Avenue in the city, which had earlier closed because of fallen trees, has now reopened.
The Liskey Road in Strabane, which had earlier closed due to a fallen tree, has now also reopened.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council warned the public to "exercise caution" when visiting forests and beaches in the area.
The Coastguard has warned people to avoid exposed coastal areas.
The Atlantic system was named by the Irish weather service, Met Éireann, which has issued a "Status Orange" warning for four counties in the Republic of Ireland.
That is the second highest warning level, and affects Counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Mayo.
****Public Notice
— NewryMourneDown (@nmdcouncil) March 12, 2019
With a Yellow warning issued by @metoffice below, Council is advising the public to exercise caution when visiting Forests, Country Parks, Nature Reserves or Coastal sites in vehicles or on foot.
It's expected that access to our to our sites will remain open. https://t.co/R5aGqrCHwp
It warned of "damaging gusts reaching 110km/h to 130km/h" as well as a "risk of coastal flooding due to high seas".
In County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher have been closed to the public due to unsafe conditions. Clare County Council said the site is expected to reopen on Wednesday morning.
There is also a risk of flying debris because of the winds.
The winds are expected to gradually ease during Wednesday but it will still be quite windy with a risk of disruption.
It's blustery day out there as #StormGareth is on route. Strong winds are forecast from approx. 3PM into Wednesday. If your power is affected or you see any of our lines or poles broken, stay clear and contact us immediately. #weatheraware #safety #weatherwarnings #powercut pic.twitter.com/pBcJsG1rSY
— NIE Networks (@NIElectricity) March 12, 2019
Further wet and windy spells are expected into the coming weekend.
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