Gale and flood alert as Storm Callum looms
NORTHERN Ireland was last night bracing itself for Storm Callum, which was forecast to batter the province with 80mph winds and torrential rain as it smashes its way east from the Atlantic Ocean today.
The UK Met office issued a yellow warning for gales here, while in Wales and south-west England amber warnings are already in force.
A total of 25 Flybe flights into and out of George Best Belfast City Airport today have been cancelled because of the storm warning, as have 26 Aer Lingus flights from Dublin Airport.
Forecasters warned of heavy rain — up to four inches — and potential flooding in the wake of Storm Callum.
“The rain is expected to be accompanied by strong winds which when combined with high tides may lead to some coastal impacts due to large waves,” Met office forecasters said last night.
“In addition, these winds may increase autumnal leaf fall which would increase the potential for blocked drains and culverts, heightening the flooding risk.”
The Health and Safety Executive issued guidance to businesses which could be affected by the storm.
It warned of danger from flying debris or falling objects and called on employers to assess the risk from the effect of storm conditions on their work activities, identify hazards and take necessary precautions.
In the Republic, where Storm Callum was set to first make landfall, a national emergency co-ordination group met yesterday for a briefing on the dangers posed by the intense weather system.
Experts from Met Eireann briefed the group on expected weather and warnings in place until this afternoon.
Met Eireann issued ‘status orange’ weather warnings for 13 counties in the Republic.