As Storm Bert continues to have an impact across the Northwest region this weekend, Derry City and Strabane District Council is continuing to encourage the public to take all the necessary precautions to keep safe and to take into consideration the recent snow and icy weather conditions over the previous days.
Friday night’s Christmas Lights Switch On in Derry went ahead as planned and was a fantastic success, while some changes were made in relation to the programming for the Switch On in Strabane which took place on Saturday evening with many of the outdoor activities all being moved indoors and the public urged to be aware of the poor conditions, plan their journey and wrap up warm.
In the interests of health and safety, all Council owned public parks, play parks will continue to be closed on Sunday, November 24, and council is advising the public to avoid using open spaces and areas where there are trees.
The public are advised that there will also be some disruption to recycling centres across the Council area with some or all Recycling Centres remaining closed on Sunday.
Council outdoor sports and leisure facilities and courts will also be closed.
All scheduled sports activities at outdoor facilities will not go ahead. Council is liaising with clubs and user groups accordingly.
While the Cemeteries will remain open for burials, the public are advised to take extreme care and note that facilities may close immediately following burials in consideration of the weather conditions.
All Council owned Leisure Centres will open as normal except for Brooke Park Leisure Centre, which will be closed, and users advised to use facilities at Templemore Sports Complex.
The Council will continue to work closely with the promoters organising the gig taking place at the Templemore Sports Complex site tonight, to ensure weather protocols are in place.
Routine inspections will be carried out on all Council facilities on Monday morning prior to them reopening. The public are asked to be patient as it may take time for them to open, and they will only be opened when deemed safe to do so.
Householders and businesses across the Council area are also encouraged to take the necessary measures to keep them and their property safe.
The following guidance has been provided by the Met Office.
Storm Bert – A YELLOW Warning for WIND for Northern Ireland from 11.00am to 18.00pm on Sunday 24 November – Medium likelihood and a low impact.
Storm Bert will bring strong winds for a time on Sunday, which may cause some disruption in places
Further information: UK weather warnings – Met Office
What To Expect
There is a small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected.
There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
There is a small chance that some roads and bridges could close
What should I do?
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Emergency Contact numbers:
Emergency services 999 or 112
Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
NI Water – 03457 440 088
Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891
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