Multi-agency preparations are underway to respond to any impacts
as a result of Storm Bram, following a Met Office yellow warning
for strong winds.
The warning is valid on Tuesday 9 December from 9 am to 9 pm.
Gusts of around 50-60mph are possible fairly widely, and
potentially in excess of 70mph in the most exposed areas,
especially in the West.
The Department for Infrastructure's roads and rivers teams have
been checking and clearing road gullies and other drainage and
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.
As a precautionary measure, Departmental staff are installing
temporary flood defences ahead of a forecast tidal surge which
will occur close to the time of the High Tide which is expected
early on Tuesday afternoon. The combination of these two
occurrences has the potential to increase water levels in the
River Lagan downstream of Stranmillis Weir. When this is further
combined with the high flows in the Lagan due to recent rain,
engineers have taken the precautionary decision to proactively
deploy some of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme
temporary tidal defences between the Stranmillis Weir and the
Lagan Weir to provide enhanced flood protection in the area.
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 and the worst
of the wind is forecast from early afternoon into the evening
rush hour. Outdoor Seasonal decorations may be vulnerable to the
wind.
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/strong-winds-weather-warning-information-and-advice(external
link opens in a new window / tab).
It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary
restrictions in place. Road users are reminded to adhere to
road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Remember to reduce
your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused
and always wear your seatbelt and never drive through flood
water. Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatch(external link
opens in a new window / tab).
You can report an obstruction at: Report an obstruction on a
road or street | nidirect (external link opens in a new
window / tab)or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.
To report incidents of flooding, please contact the flooding
incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line
staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency.
The power of water is often on show during a storm as waves crash
against harbour walls, piers and cliffs. It looks
spectacular but surges can easily sweep a person off their feet.
All it takes is one wave to drag you out to sea – a dramatic
photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life. If you are
in trouble or see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999
and ask for Coastguard.
NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear 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.
Belfast City Council has advised that Victoria Park will be
closed from 12noon tomorrow. Any additional closures
or disruption to services will be available on www.belfastcity.gov.uk/weather(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
