Northern Ireland is facing severe disruption today, Tuesday 27 January, as Storm Chandra delivers a combination of powerful winds and heavy rainfall. The Met Office has implemented an amber wind warning for eastern and coastal regions, including counties Antrim, Down, and Derry, which is set to remain in place until 21:00 GMT.

Forecasters expect easterly and south-easterly gusts to reach speeds of 60–70 mph widely, with exposed coastal areas potentially seeing peaks of 75 mph. Simultaneously, a yellow warning for wind and rain covers the entirety of Northern Ireland until midnight. Rainfall totals of 20–30 mm are anticipated generally, while higher ground in the east could see as much as 50–70 mm.

The impact on education has been significant, with more than 300 schools and colleges across the region taking the decision to close today as a safety precaution. Major institutions including Queen’s University Belfast and several Ulster University campuses—Belfast, Coleraine, and Jordanstown—have moved classes online and closed their physical sites. In the capital, Belfast City Council has closed all council parks, playgrounds, pitches, and recycling centres for the duration of the amber alert. Similar measures have been taken by other local authorities, with Mid and East Antrim closing sites such as Carnfunnock Country Park and the People's Park.

Travel throughout the province is heavily impacted:

• Roads: Motorists are encountering dangerous driving conditions due to surface water flooding and fallen debris. The AA has advised drivers to remove roof boxes from vehicles to reduce the risk from powerful crosswinds.

• Ferries and Flights: Stena Line and P&O have cancelled numerous sailings between Belfast, Larne, and ports in Scotland and England. Belfast City Airport has also reported a number of flight cancellations.

• Public Transport: Translink has warned of ongoing delays and is operating with contingency plans to avoid vulnerable coastal routes. Lanyon Place Station in Belfast city centre has been closed.

Emergency services remain on high alert, and the Department for Infrastructure’s rivers and roads teams are actively monitoring sea levels and clearing drainage infrastructure. Members of the public are urged to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of large waves and overtopping.

To report flooding, residents should contact the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100. For power-related emergencies or damaged lines, NIE Networks can be reached on 03457 643 643.