The Met Office in the UK has issued a Status Yellow weather warning for wind in parts of Northern Ireland for the weekend.
It has said that a period of strong winds on Saturday (December 21) is likely to lead to some transport disruption.
The weather warning affects counties Antrim, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry and will come into effect at 7 o’clock on Saturday and last until midnight on Saturday night.
Strong westerly winds are expected to develop through the course of Saturday, with gusts of 50-60mph developing quite widely across this region, and a small chance of gusts reaching 70mph around some coasts and high ground areas.
This has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a greater than usual impact given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel.
Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard.
A Status Yellow wind warning is also in place for Northern Ireland for Sunday (December 22) and this has the addition of Co. Armagh included. The affected counties are:
- County Antrim;
- County Armagh;
- County Down;
- County Fermanagh;
- County Derry (Londonderry);
- County Tyrone.
This second warning will be in place from just after midnight on Saturday until 9:00p.m on Sunday.
Strong and gusty north-westerly winds are expected to develop on Sunday. Gusts of 50-60mph are expected quite widely, and around some exposed coasts and hills of gusts 70mph are possible, especially in the north and west.
In addition, squally showers are likely with some hail and thunder possible in places.
Advice during weather warning
According to the Met Office, people in the affected counties are advised to expect some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.
It is also likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves. Some short-term loss of power and other services is also possible.
There may be delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges too.
The Met Office has said to give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People reportedly cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance and this is easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep people off their feet and out to sea.
Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly; when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
