Storm Barra hits Northern Ireland with 50-70 mph winds
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People are being told to braces themselves for cold temperatures and gale-force winds as Storm Barra races towards the UK.
Winds of up to 70mph are expected to batter Northern Ireland today, with Down and Antrim likely to be the worst hit.
Clare, Limerick and Galway have a status orange warning - the second-highest level - in place.
Frank Saunders is a Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office. He said: “Strong winds arriving across the west through Tuesday morning, will spread inland and reach eastern areas through the afternoon and early evening.
“Gusts of 45-50 mph are expected widely, with 60-70 mph in exposed coastal locations. The strongest winds will ease across inland areas into the overnight period.”
Power cuts could occur, also heating and mobile phone coverage could be affected by the storm.
The Met Office also warned that with the severe weather, some rural communities could be left completely cut off, with trains and air travel also having the potential to be cancelled.
It comes ten days after Storm Arwen caused thousands of homes to lose power across Scotland and the North of England.
A yellow weather warning is now in place from 9am today until 9am on Wednesday.
People living in coastal communities have been urged to prepare for Storm Barra’s imminent arrival and avoid unnecessary risks.
“Walkers are advised to avoid any exposed areas, including seafront and cliff walkways, as they may be hit by sudden gusts, exposing themselves to unnecessary danger,” a statement said. “All other forms of open-water recreation should be avoided, including by experienced practitioners, as it may result in arousing public concerns and causing rescue services to be alerted.”
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