NI to be battered by winds of up to 70mph with travel delays expected
DANGEROUS flying debris and travel cancellations could be on the cards today as strong winds and heavy rain will batter parts of Northern Ireland with the arrival of a powerful low pressure system.
The Met Office has warned that wind speeds are likely to reach close to 80mph in some exposed areas throughout the day.
A yellow weather warning has been issued for the most northerly parts of the province from 5am until midnight.
The public have been warned of potential power cuts, large waves in coastal areas, localised flooding, fallen trees, damage to property and a risk of flying debris.
Motorists are also being advised that their journey times could take longer and the spell of strong winds is likely to bring some delays and disruption to air, bus and rail transport.
Met office meteorologist Alex Burkill told the Belfast Telegraph that a very unsettled weather pattern can be expected over the next few days due to a strong jet stream. This will move in from a northerly direction, turning things colder into next week.
Mr Burkill said: “After a fine evening on Thursday, we have seen conditions turn cloudier and wetter through the night. It’s during the early hours of Friday morning that the winds will really begin to strengthen.
“Wind speeds could reach in excess of 70mph in the most exposed places.
“Even outside of the weather warning area it’s going to be windy. We are likely to see some travel disruption, short-term power losses, delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and coastal communities affected by spray and/or large waves.
“Along with the strong gusts developing, we might see some sunny spells during the day but there is also the risk of several heavy showers and the possibility of some thunder and hail, falling as sleet or snow on higher ground.”
After a stormy day, Mr Burkill says weather conditions will gradually become much calmer over the weekend.
“Saturday is looking pretty cloudy and we’re likely to see outbreaks of showery rain pushing in from the west, which will be heavy at times. It will still be windy but the gusts won’t be as strong as on Friday.
“Sunday looks set to be a much quieter day, still cloudy with some rain towards the west but generally drier than Saturday.”
Next week will be predominantly settled but cold with a few wintry showers.
“Northern Ireland will stay relatively cloudy into the start of the week with less rain but it will be turning much colder in the northerly wind,” he added.