Storm Boelo: NIE engineers working to restore power to thousands of customers as fallen trees impact journeys
Thousands of properties have been left without power after Storm Boelo battered parts of Northern Ireland overnight.
Earlier on Sunday (October 25), NIE Networks said 7,000 customers remained without power as a result of damage caused by high winds and severe weather conditions.
The power company stated: “NIE Networks’ Incident Centres, located across Northern Ireland with responsibility for coordinating our response, have been operational since yesterday afternoon.
"Our engineers and field teams were mobilised in advance of the storm and are continuing to respond across the network, working safely and efficiently to repair damage and restore supplies to affected.
"We would encourage any customers experiencing a power cut to report it online at www.nienetworks.co.uk or by contacting the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.
"We would also remind customers never to approach broken overhead power lines or damaged poles. Any damaged equipment should be treated as live. Please keep children and animals well away and report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643.”
Customers can check estimated restoration times using Powercheck at www.nienetworks.co.uk for the latest updates on restoration efforts.
NIE Networks added: “We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while restoration work continues.”
With reports of fallen trees impacting a number of routes on Sunday morning, police urged motorists to continue to exercise caution while driving.
"If travel is essential, leave extra time for your journey and increase your stopping distance from the car in front.”
Department for Infrastructure teams cleared fallen trees from the Ballyrobin Road, where both both lanes had been impassable just after the junction with Seven Mile Straight, Co Antrim; and on the Glenshane Road, around half a mile from Castledawson roundabout.
Road users were also advised that fallen trees were impacting the Springwell Road, Groomsport and the Cootehall Road, Crawfordsburn.
Meanwhile, on Sunday morning both Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport were advising passengers to check with their airlines for latest flight information as there may be disruption due the storm.