The Christmas Market in Derry’s Guildhall Square has been shut down due to safety concerns as a result of the high winds currently blowing across the North West.
Shut down – the Christmas Market in Guildhall Square.
Foyle Bridge has been closed to high-sided vehicles and motorists are being advised to drive with caution as the gale force winds begin to pick up speed which are expected to reach gusts of 80 mph.
Derry remains on “amber alert” and Northern Ireland Electricity has advised customers to expect power cuts while the public has been warned of possible structural damage.
Earlier, police issued a warning motorists of excess surface water on Foyle Bridge and advised drivers to proceed with caution.
Elsewhere, the winds and heavy rain are making driving conditions treacherous on the main Derry to Belfast road, particularly on 1,000 ft high Glenshane Pass and on the westbound lane of the M2 out of Belfast which has had a lane closed down.
There is also severe flooding on the main Derry to Letterkenny Road at Manorcunningham.
The weather system has been named Storm Emily after Emily Brontë, the author who died on 19 December 19, 165 years ago, and who wrote Wuthering Heights which featured constant stormy weather.
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