Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Storm Bert: Homes flooded, power cuts and travel disruption as weather wreaks havoc across NI

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Disruption across NI due to snow, wind and rainSome residents trapped in homes in DundonaldChristmas lights switch-on called offNew weather warning issued for Sunday

Press Eye – Northern Ireland – 23 November 2024 Flooding at Moat Park in Dundonald, Belfast Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Flooding at Moat Park in Dundonald, Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Flooding on the A2 Shore Road at Jordanstown as Storm Bert hit Northern Ireland. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press

The Broadway Roundabout in Belfast was closed to traffic for a time. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press

Snow on the hills overlooking Belfast earlier this week. Photo: Pacemaker

Flooding at Moat Park in Dundonald, Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Flooding at Moat Park in Dundonald, Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Flooding at Moat Park in Dundonald, Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Adrian Rutherford and Sarah Harford

A clean-up operation is underway after homes were flooded in counties Down and Tyrone.

Storm Bert brought chaos across Northern Ireland on Saturday morning, with power cuts, travel disruption and flooding.

A new alert has been issued for strong winds on Sunday.

Homes near Moat Park in Dundonald were affected by flooding. Some residents at Park Avenue were trapped in their homes by the floodwater.

Several homes in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, have also been damaged. A local community centre has been opened for those affected.

The Department for Infrastructure said its roads and rivers teams responded to over 500 incidents since the yellow weather warning for Storm Bert took effect.

“There has been some internal flooding to properties in Dundonald, Kilcoo, Coalisland and Ballinamallard as well as a Royal Mail property in Mallusk,” it said.

The department said the Emergency Flooding Payment Scheme has been activated.

About 3,500 customers were without power this afternoon, with the south east and north west worst affected.

The weather also led to the Bangor Christmas Lights switch-on event scheduled for this evening being postponed.

Here’s what’s happening around Northern Ireland:

Key updates

Storm Bert hits Irish League

Weather warnings in place as Storm Bert hits NI

Christmas lights switch on cancelled due to Storm Bert

A Christmas lights switch on event due to be held in Bangor has been cancelled due to Storm Bert. 

In a post on social media, Ards and North Down Council said the event will be rescheduled and was cancelled despite “best efforts.” 

“Due to the impact of the overnight weather conditions and despite our best efforts, we regret to inform you that the Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On event scheduled for this evening at 6pm has been postponed,” the council said. 

“We are working towards rescheduling the switch on and will keep you updated in the coming days.

“We are deeply disappointed to make this decision and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in planning the event for their support and understanding.”

The City Centre Passport Trail as well as the festive music with brass bands and school choirs due to be held at Translink station in the Bangor Parish Church, and North Down Museum will still go ahead. 

Flooding at Moat Park in Dundonald

Rangers’ kick-off delayed

In Scotland, the bad weather has led to a delay in Rangers’ match with Dundee United. It will now kick off at 3.45pm.

Coalisland flooding

This is the scene in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, where flooding has hit King’s Row. Local Sinn Fein councillor Nuala McLernon said: “I have spoken to Mid Ulster District Council regarding the flooding in King’s Row this morning. Emergency meetings have been held.”

DUP leader: ‘Hugely distressing scenes’ 

This is the scene in Dundonald, east Belfast. Local MP Gavin Robinson said it is “hugely distressing for residents”.

34,000 still without power in Republic

Ireland’s Electricity Supply Board (ESB) said “good progress” has been made restoring power around the Irish Republic and the latest figures show there are 34,000 properties without supply – down from around 60,000 this morning.

Water in the Waterworks

This was the scene at the Waterworks in north Belfast – where the ducks are swimming is a path. 

Lisburn flooding

This was the scene on the Hillhall Road in Lisburn which had been closed to traffic this morning. 

Storm Bert hits Irish League

Abbeycentre alert

This was the scene at the Abbeycentre in Co Antrim this morning, as heavy rain caused flooding.

Belfast flooding

One side of the A55 Milltown Road is flooded at the Belvoir Road junction, impacting traffic heading towards Shaws Bridge. It is causing delays back to Hospital Road, according to  Trafficwatch NI

A2 flooding

This was the scene on the A2 Shore Road at Jordanstown this morning.

Translink update

Translink has said train services between Belfast Lanyon Place and Antrim are now operating a bus substitution service. All other lines are open.

Ports v Glenavon goes ahead

One of the biggest games of the day – Portadown v Glenavon – gets the green light after a pitch inspection
https://x.com/OfficialNIFL/status/1860281374227259778

Game off

Ballymena v Larne is off in the Sports Direct Premiership. It failed an 11am pitch inspection…
https://x.com/OfficialNIFL/status/1860280943506075743

Tyrone road closed

The B520 Stewartstown Road, Coalisland, between Annagher Road and Lineside Road at Kings Row is closed due to flooding.

Belfast to Dublin rail line reopens

Translink has warned passengers of continued disruption, after part of the Belfast to Dublin line was closed earlier. That section has since reopened, but there will be knock-on delays.

Broadway reopened

The Broadway Roundabout has been fully reopened following earlier flooding.

Game on

Carrick Rangers v Dungannon Swifts has passed a 10.30am pitch inspection. Two other games – Portadown v Glenavon and Ballymena v Larne – are subject to 11am inspections.

Fermanagh & Omagh councillor Declan McArdle said he has contacted the Department for Infrastructure about flooding in Derrylin outside St Aidan’s School.

Watch: Snow arrives in Northern Ireland as temperatures fall below 0

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