High Winds Batter Northern Ireland

NI is in for a battering with high winds prompting the Met Office to issue an amber weather warning for Thursday.

Irish Sea crossings are likely to face delays as winds will be strongest in the north, while the rest of the country will also see gusts of 60 to 70mph.

Already, there are reports of fallen trees causing traffic disruption in a number of areas, including Londonderry, Limavady and Dungiven and P&O and Stenaline have said that there may be disruption to ferry sailings and have warned passengers to be prepared for delays or cancellations while the ferry crossing between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island has also been cancelled.

The PSNI has closed the Foyle bridge in Londonderry, while pedestrians have also been advised not to use the peace bridge in the city.

Malin Head in Co Donegal has even recorded gusts of 89mph on Thursday morning as the Met Office statement said winds will continue to increase during Thursday morning with severe gales developing across many northern and central parts of the UK, and some particularly damaging storm force winds."

However, these are predicted to be most severe in parts of Scotland.

"The risk of disruption is considered highest across central and southern Scotland where there is a significant risk of damage to trees and structures.

"The police are also advising that conditions for travel will be extremely poor and that travellers are likely to experience significant delays," the statement continued.

They also said it won't last as winds will ease from the west through Thursday evening.

It will be mild though to start with a maximum temperature 10 °C.

Then tonight, gales will ease and wintry showers will become frequent in the north, some snowfalls on higher ground, the showers scattered in south. Minimum temperature 1 °C.

Friday will see a cloudy start with a mix of rain sleet and snow, clearing from the north to sunny spells though isolated snow showers still towards the North Channel and North Coast.

(BMcC/GK)