Weekend ‘weather bomb’ brings more wind and rain

NORTHERN Ireland was drenched by heavy rain and winds last night as Storm Brian prepares to batter the UK this weekend.

Gusts of between 50mph and 70mph are expected to coincide with high tides across the south of England on Saturday, with the potential to cause treacherous waves in coastal areas.

The second named storm of the season, caused by a ‘weather bomb’ of low pressure in the Atlantic Ocean, may also cause flooding along the coast, the Met Office said.

Northern Ireland could experience gales on Saturday evening along exposed northern coasts.

A yellow warning for rain was in force in Northern Ireland yesterday, and flooding was expected as up to two inches of rain fell across the province.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the worst of the rain and winds were across Northern Ireland last night.

Gusts of 50-60mph inland were predicted, and in coastal areas they were expected to hit between 60-70mph.

The hazardous conditions came days after Storm Ophelia wrought havoc in Ireland on Monday, killing three people when the former hurricane toppled trees and caused widespread damage which left thousands of homes without power.

The Irish meteorological office, Met Eireann, has issued an orange warning for wind across the south of the Republic from 6am on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the popular Seapark Fireworks event that was due to take place tomorrow in Holywood, Co Down, has been postponed.

The event is unable to go ahead due to the weather forecast and has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 4.

Today is expected to get off to a misty start with some fog patches and low cloud.

Otherwise it will be dry for a time but cloud and rain will extend northeast across all parts in the afternoon, the Met Office said.

The maximum temperature is predicted to be 13C.