Storm Boelo: Weather warning upgraded to amber for parts of Northern Ireland with local authorities issuing closure and cancellation updates
The Met Office has upgraded its Storm Boelo-related weather warning to amber for parts of Northern Ireland over the weekend.
Forecasters say the the strongest winds are expected in the far north of the province from Saturday evening (October 24) and will extend eastwards through Sunday.
The amber warning, which means a higher possibility of disruption, is in place for County Antrim and County Derry/Londonderry from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm the following day.
Warning of widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph and gusts to 80 mph in exposed coastal areas, the Met Office added: “The strongest winds will initially affect western Scotland and far north of Northern Ireland on Saturday evening and then spread eastwards overnight and through Sunday. High winds will be accompanied by periods of heavy rain and frequent showers.”
The public is advised to expect the following:
- Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life;
- There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage;
- Some damage to buildings and trees, such as tiles blown from roofs and large branches or trees blown over, is likely;
- Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected;
- Some roads and bridges likely to close;
- Injuries and danger to life are likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
With a yellow warning is already in place for the whole of the province from 10am on Saturday, a number of local government authorities are providing updates about event and location impact.
Causeway Coast and Glens Council has cancelled its Halloween event in Ballymoney on Saturday. It also announced council outdoor spaces were to close from 3pm on Saturday as a precautionary measure to protect the safety of visitors and staff. Spaces include parks, play parks, harbours, pitches and beaches.
CC&G Council added: “Sports and leisure centres will be assessed early on Sunday morning. Customers are advised to check the CCG app for the latest information regarding any closures before travelling.”
It also issued the following advice: “Strong winds may cause fallen trees, damage to buildings, power cuts, travel disruption and dangerous coastal conditions.
"Please take care, secure loose outdoor items, plan ahead for your journeys and stay away from exposed coastal areas during severe conditions.”
And there was updated advice for residents in parts of Mid and East Antrim Borough on Saturday. MEA Council flagged up the following important service changes:
Parks
Dixon Park, Larne – closed Saturday and Sunday;
Shaftesbury Park and Joymount Park, Carrickfergus – being monitored and may close by 6pm on Saturday if required. Any closures will remain in place until Monday morning.
People's Park, Ballynena is open on Saturday but will be regularly assessed and will close if necessary, It will be closed on Sunday 25 October.
Sentry Hill and Memorial Parks, Ballymena – closed all weekend.
Please do not attend Ecos, Carnfunnock or Bracknamuckley as they have heavy tree cover. We will assess them on Monday and reopen when safe.
Public Toilets – Closed Sunday
Slemish Mountain, Larne, Carrickfergus
Street Cleansing
No street cleansing operations in Carrickfergus or Larne on Sunday. Litter bins will not be emptied.
Sports Facilities
All 3G bookings at the Amphitheatre, Carrickfergus are cancelled on Sunday. All 2G bookings at Larne High School are cancelled on Sunday.
Events & Attractions
Junior parkrun at People's Park – cancelled. The Gobbins – All Saturday and Sunday tours are cancelled.
MEA Council added: “Please stay safe. Secure loose items around your home and garden. Take extra care near trees, coastal areas and exposed locations. Avoid visiting parks that are closed and follow any safety advice. Check for updates before travelling or attending activities.
"Your safety is our priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates on any further closures or service changes through our website and social media channels.”
On Friday afternoon, Mid Ulster District Council announced it was putting one event on hold and calling off another.
It stated: “Due to adverse weather conditions associated with #StormBoelo, this weekend's Pumpkin Patch event at Pomeroy Forest Park has been postponed to next weekend for the safety of attendees and staff.
“Saturday, 24th October, tickets will be valid Friday, 30th October. Sunday, 25th October, tickets will be valid Saturday, 31st October.”
The local authority also said it had to make the “difficult decision” to cancel Saturday’s scheduled Halloween event at Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown.
“While this will be disappointing, the safety of the public, staff and performers is our absolute priority. We thank everyone for their understanding and encourage those still looking for Halloween festivities to attend the other events happening across the district on Friday 30 October in Dungannon, and Saturday 31 October in Maghera and Coalisland. "
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council issued the following services update on Friday afternoon:
- Household recycling centres will remain closed on Saturday, 24 October;
- All parks and open spaces will close from 10am on Saturday, 24 October;
- During the weather warning we strongly advise the public to avoid our parks and open spaces due to the danger of falling debris;
- Following the weather warning and subject to site inspections there may be delayed opening.
The ABC Council statement continued: "We thank you for your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
In Newtownabbey, the Spooked Out event at V36 has been postponed from Saturday, October 24, until Sunday, November 1.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council stated: “We know many of you have been looking forward to joining us for some spooky fun, and we’re just as excited to welcome you. By moving the event, we hope to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience safely.
“Thank you for your understanding, patience and continued support. We can’t wait to see you all for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun. Tickets will automatically be transferred to this date however if you would like to request a refund email: [email protected]. “
Meanwhile, NI Water says Silent Valley Mountain Park in Co Down will now shut from Friday evening as a safety precaution, and will remain so until Monday morning.
A spokesperson explained: “The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety due to the risk of high winds damaging trees at the site. NI Water would like to thank visitors for their understanding and patience.”