Storm Chandra is causing severe disruption across South Down today, Tuesday January 27.
There are currently road closures in place in Warrenpoint, at the junction of the Moygannon Road and Rostrevor Road, as well as on the dual carriageway, heading in the direction of Warrenpoint.
Newry-bound lanes remain open at this time. Police are asking people to avoid these areas and be mindful of considerable flooding along many of the roads around Mourne. If you must travel, please slow down and drive with caution.
In addition, the Strangford ferry service has been suspended.
On Tuesday 27 January the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for rain and wind from 00:01 to 23:59 across all counties with an Amber wind warning in place from 5am – 9pm in counties Antrim, Down and Derry.
They said there is a danger to life from flying debris or large waves at coasts, travel disruption, damage to buildings, power cuts, fallen trees likely.
The Department of Infrastructure produced a statement:
“Multi-agency preparations are underway to respond to any impacts as a result of Storm Chandra, following a dual Met Office warning for rain and strong winds.
“In preparation the Department for Infrastructure’s roads and rivers teams have been checking and clearing road gullies and other drainage infrastructure and have additional staff on standby to respond to incidents.
“Monitoring of river levels and sea levels has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warning has elapsed.
“Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations.
“The strong winds could lead to power cuts, damage to buildings, fallen trees, spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas, as well as disruption to travel including public transport, ferries and flights.
“Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible especially along the Co Down coast including along the Ards peninsula, Warrenpoint to Rostrevor and Newcastle to Kilkeel.
“Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/heavy-rain-weather-warning-advice-and-information; and Storm Chandra strong winds and heavy rain: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-winds-and-heavy-rain-warning-information-and-advice.
“Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatch.ni
“NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear in the event of any damaged electricity equipment and report it immediately to the Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. Members of the public should never approach a broken pole or electricity line.
“Should customers experience a power cut they can check for updates at Powercheck NI powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk and report the fault online or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.
“Translink advises passengers to check its Journey Planner or Translink social media channels in advance of travel, and to allow extra time for their journeys.”
As a result of the storms there are over 300 schools closed across Northern Ireland.
Schools that are closed today include from this area:
Kilkeel Primary School, 130 Harbour Road;
Annalong Primary School, 31 Kilkeel Road;
St Patrick’s Primary School Mayobridge, 9 Chapel Hill;
St Mary’s Primary School Rathfriland, Downpatrick Street;
St Michael’s Primary School Finnis, 145 Rathfriland Road;
St Patrick’s Primary School Ballymaghery, 13 Castlewellan Road;
St Colman’s PS and All Saints’ NU Annaclone, Annaclone;
St Colman’s Primary School Kilkeel, Greencastle Street;
St Columban’s PS, 127 Newcastle Road, Kilkeel;
Bunscoil an Iúir, 74 Kilmorey Street;
Gaelscoil na mBeann, 127a Newcastle Road;
Kilkeel High School, Knockchree Avenue,
Assumption Grammar School, 24 Belfast Road
Down High School, Mount Crescent
Shimna Integrated College, The Lawnfield ,
The High School, Ballynahinch, 103 Belfast Road,
St Colmcille’s Nursery School, Killough Road,
All Children’s Integrated Primary School, The Walled Garden
Killyleagh Integrated Primary School, 12 Shrigley Road,
St Malachy’s Primary School Kilcoo, 4 Ballymoney Road,
Sacred Heart Primary School Dundrum, 27 Main Street,
St Joseph’s Primary School Newcastle, 25 Carnacaville Road,
Newcastle Primary School, 17a Shimna Road
NI Direct provided the following phone numbers for those who need help.
Emergency Services: 999 or 112
NI Gas emergency services: 0800 002 001
Flooding incident line: 0300 2000 100
NI Water: 03457 440 088
NI Electricty Works: 03457 643643
Housing Executive 03448 920 901
See more coverage in Wednesday’s Mourne Observer.
