Schools have been advised to shut and people told not to travel in areas covered by a rare red weather warning for wind as “dangerous” Storm Eowyn is set to batter Ireland and the UK.
The Met Office has issued warnings for very strong winds, with the worst of Storm Eowyn expected to strike from the early hours of Friday across Scotland and Northern Ireland, where winds could reach up to 100mph.
Forecasters say flying debris could result in danger to life and “very dangerous” driving conditions because of fallen trees.
Stormont’s Education Minister Paul Givan said the Education Authority had advised all schools in Northern Ireland to close on Friday.
The warning is in place in Northern Ireland from 7am to 2pm on Friday, and in parts of Scotland between 10am and 5pm.
Mr Givan said: “I understand this will impact on the work of schools and indeed on other businesses and services, but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.
“Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly have urged people to stay at home during Storm Eowyn.
Ms O’Neill said emergency responders have a protocol in place for these kinds of situations that has “kicked in”.
She said that while you “can’t predict what’s going to happen in these scenarios”, she says there are “things you can do” to prepare.
“I don’t think Emma or I could stand here and predict what potentially could unfold,” she adds.
But she said that high winds and fallen trees are expected “and that’s why we are urging people to stay at home if they can.”
The First Minister added an emergency alert will go to people’s phones later this afternoon.
Mrs Little-Pengelly said that as well as schools closing, she expects other alerts to come out later today.
She said agencies will be monitoring the situation over the coming hours as “we work together to keep the people of Northern Ireland safe”.
“You can play your part by following the advice and only travelling if it is essential and to work at home.”
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said on Thursday: “We reserve the issuing of red warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Eowyn.
“While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and south-western parts of Scotland within the red warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100mph for exposed coasts in particular.”
The AA has issued updated advice to people travelling in areas covered by the red weather warning.
Spokesman Chris Wood said: “We urge drivers to consider whether their journey is necessary and if not, postpone it.
“If you do need to travel, make sure you’re prepared for what you may encounter. Expect to come across fallen branches and other debris on the roads, especially in rural areas.
“Allow extra time for your journey, as it’s likely to take longer than usual.
“Pack the essentials for emergencies in case you do break down – warm waterproof clothing, a torch and a flask of hot drink. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app and what3words to help us get to you faster if the worst should happen.”
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