STORM BARRA: High winds cause havoc across NI

Weather warning ends at 6pm

Choppy waters in Carrickfergus as Storm Barra has brought strong winds, heavy rain and snow to Northern Ireland.
Author: Gareth McCulloughPublished 7th Dec 2021

Storm Barra has been causing widespread havoc across Northern Ireland today - but it looks like the worst could be over.

A Yellow Weather Warning had been in place until tomorrow morning, but that has now been revised by the Met Office and is set to end by 6pm this evening.

The Belfast Christmas Market will remain closed for today due to winds that have reached close to 70 miles per hour in some areas

Four recycling centres - including at Newtownstewart and Donemana - have closed for health and safety reasons over concerns flying debris could cause harm.

Fire crews and police were tasked with dealing with fallen scaffolding in Londonderry near Rosemount Avenue and several ferry crossings have been cancelled.

There are multiple reports of fallen down trees across the country - blocking roads and causing disruption to travel.

A number of parks across Northern Ireland have also been forced to closed due to the storm.

The Giant's Causeway has been closed and visitors are advised to avoid the site due to high winds and gusts around the coast.

In Warrenpoint, the Rostrevor Road has been closed from Queen Street to Moygannon Road due to waves overtopping the sea wall.

All ferries between Cairnryan and Belfast and Belfast to Cairnryan are cancelled today due to the weather conditions.