Weather conditions could lead to transportation disruption and some power outages
By Barra Best
BBC News NI weather presenter
Severe weather warnings will come into effect in Northern Ireland on Sunday as Storm Isha arrives.
High winds are forecast, gusting to up to 80mph (130km/h) on some coasts, with damage and disruption expected and travellers warned to exercise caution.
A yellow warning starts at noon on Sunday and lasts until noon on Monday.
But as the storm increases in severity, an amber warning – the second highest level – comes into force from 18:00 GMT on Sunday until 09:00 on Monday.
That means there is an increased risk of power cuts, damage to buildings, travel disruption, injuries and danger to life because of large coastal waves.
Image source, Pacemaker
The stormy conditions replace colder weather, which saw some parts of Northern Ireland covered in snow
It is warning of debris on roads, fallen trees, the possibility of flooding and, in coastal areas, big waves.
The department has also advised that continuing industrial action could hamper response and clean-up operations, and other DfI services in areas affected, including:
- Assistance to those incidents with most impact to life and property
- Response and clear-up operation to fallen trees and debris on the roads
- Repair of serious defects such as manhole collapse or potholes
- Gully clearing and cleansing
- Response to calls to the flood incident line
- Response to flood emergencies
The Met Office advised people to stay up to date with weather forecasts as well as advice from local authorities and emergency services.
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Severe weather warnings have also been issued to parts of Great Britain, which could affect flights and ferry services between Britain and the island of Ireland.
Newry and Mourne District Council have said Castlewellan, Delamont, Kilbroney, and Slieve Gullion forest and country parks will be closed on Sunday due to the storm.
They are expected to open again from noon on Monday, subject to safety inspections.
Status orange winds
Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland, a number of severe weather warnings have been issued across the country for much of the day.
A yellow warning comes into force at 11:00 local time on Sunday until 04:00 on Monday.
However, that will also be upgraded from Sunday evening to a status orange warning – the second-highest level.
Met Éireann has warned of large coastal waves, difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, and damage to power lines.
A status red marine weather warning has been issued for coastal waters to the north and north west of Ireland, valid from 19:00 local time Sunday until 01:00 Monday.
Ireland’s Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned motorists to slow down and allow extra distance as strong winds hit.
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Storm Isha marks the ninth named storm of the season, which started on 1 September, and is the first storm beginning with the letter ‘I’ since February 2016.
It follows in the wake of Storm Henk, which wreaked havoc and caused severe damage in parts of the UK in early January.
The worst of the strong winds are expected later on Sunday
Once the storm passes there will be some relief from very strong winds until another wind warning comes into force at 16:00 on Tuesday.
It is forecast to stay in place until noon on Wednesday, with more disruption to travel and utilities expected in that period.
However, the timing of that warning could change between now and then.
