Council advises public of service impacts ahead of Storm Boelo

DERRY City and Strabane District Council is urging the public to take extra care and stay informed as Storm Boelo is expected to bring severe weather conditions across the district this weekend.

Following Met Office advice, an Amber wind warning is in place for the north and northeast of the North from 9pm on Saturday until 9pm.

A Yellow wind warning covering all of Northern Ireland is also in place from 10am on Saturday until 12 noon on Sunday.

The strongest winds are expected overnight Saturday into Sunday, with gusts of 60 to 70mph widely and up to 80mph possible along exposed coastal areas.

The Met Office has warned that flying debris, fallen trees and power outages are likely, while road, rail, air and ferry services may be disrupted.

Coastal areas may also experience dangerous waves and storm surge conditions. Heavy rain accompanying the strong winds could lead to localised flooding issues and blocked drainage systems.

Council is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property, secure any loose outdoor items and check the latest weather forecasts before travelling.

While most council services will continue to operate, some facilities may be affected by the weather warnings. council officials will continue to carry out risk assessments over the weekend and will review accordingly.

Cemeteries

Council cemeteries will be open tomorrow Saturday and closed on Sunday, except for funerals.

However this is subject to officers carrying out health and safety risk assessments over the weekend. Any updates will be provided.

Recycling centres

Recycling centres will be open tomorrow Saturday and closed on Sunday, subject to health and safety risk assessments with further updates provided when available.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and follow staff instructions while using the sites.

Outdoor sports facilities

In the interests of health and safety, all council outdoor sports facilities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Facilities will undergo safety inspections before reopening and user groups will be contacted directly.

Parks, play parks and greenways

All council parks, greenways and play areas will be closed on Saturday and Sunday and the public is advised to avoid open spaces and areas with trees during the period of strongest winds.

Facilities will be inspected before reopening and some delays may be experienced.

Leisure centres

Brooke Park Leisure Centre will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Customers are advised to use facilities at other leisure facilities.

All other facilities are open subject to ongoing health and safety risk assessments.

Council facilities

The Guildhall and Tower Museum will remain open and operating as normal.

Community facilities

Users of community facilities are encouraged to check directly with individual venues regarding arrangements.

City of Derry Airport

Passengers travelling to and from City of Derry Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check flight information before travelling via the airport website: Live Flight Information

Inspections before reopening

Routine inspections will be carried out on all council facilities on Monday morning before reopening.

Members of the public are asked for patience, as facilities will only reopen once they have been deemed safe.

Ongoing monitoring

A council spokesperson said: “Council will continue to monitor weather forecasts and the implications on services and will provide regular updates on services through its social media channels.

“Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and weather warnings through the Met Office website and app.

“ The Met Office has indicated that further wind and rain may affect Northern Ireland early next week and is continuing to monitor the situation.”

Emergency numbers

You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:

emergency services – 999 or 112

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088

Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100

Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

For more information and advice visit :

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-winds-weather-warning-information-and-advice#toc-0