Storm Darragh Unleashes Extensive Disruption

Storm Darragh has left over 45,000 households without electricity, in addition to felling trees and leading to localised flooding. Earlier today, all train services in Northern Ireland were halted, though numerous routes have since recommenced operations, experiencing delays. Public transport, including bus services, air travel, and ferry crossings, has also experienced disruptions. An amber wind warning, designated as the second most severe weather alert, was active from 01:00 GMT to 15:00 on Saturday. A yellow wind warning remains in effect until 06:00 on Sunday. Several festive gatherings have been called off, and local councils opted to close certain facilities for Saturday. Storm Darragh marks the fourth named storm of the current season, succeeding Ashley, Bert, and Conall. In the Republic of Ireland, a red wind warning, representing the highest alert tier, was active in specific counties overnight before concluding. Approximately 325,000 households in the Republic of Ireland are currently experiencing power outages. An emergency alert was disseminated by the government to approximately three million individuals residing in parts of Wales and south-west England. The Met Office had predicted wind gusts along the Northern Ireland coast would reach speeds of around 80mph (130km/h) starting early Saturday morning. Among the most powerful gusts recorded by 12:00 GMT were those in the Republic of Ireland, where speeds of 87mph (140kmh) were registered in County Galway as the storm approached from the Atlantic. Current information regarding road closures and fallen trees is accessible via the Traffic Watch NI website. For the most recent weather warnings, individuals can consult the Met Office website or follow BBC weather updates. To report faults or emergencies, the following contacts are provided: Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 03448 920 901; Openreach: 08000 23 20 23 or visit openreach.co.uk; Gas networks: 0800 002001; NI Water: 03457 44 00 88 or visit niwater.com; Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100; NIE Networks: 03457 643 643 or visit nienetworks.co.uk. Several flights originating from Belfast International Airport, and Belfast City Airport, have experienced disruptions. Dublin Airport indicated its expectation of full operational status on Saturday, although certain airlines had already cancelled services. Passengers are advised to reach out to their respective airlines for current information. Stena Line has issued a warning that certain sailings connecting Belfast/Dublin with Great Britain, and the Republic with France, are now cancelled. Additionally, numerous crossings from Belfast to Cairnryan scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled. P&O Ferries has announced the cancellation of its Saturday sailings from both Larne and Cairnryan. The affected council areas include Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry and Strabane, Fermanagh and Omagh, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid Ulster, Mid and East Antrim, and Newry Mourne and Down. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Further details on our external linking policy are available.