Disruption across NI due to snow, wind and rainNew weather warning issued for SundayPitch inspections at Irish League games
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
Adrian Rutherford and Sarah Harford
Roads have been closed, train lines shut and sporting fixtures left in doubt after Storm Bert swept into Northern Ireland.
A yellow weather warning for wind, rain and snow is in place for much of Saturday. And a new alert has been issued for strong winds on Sunday.
In Belfast, the Ravenhill Road is badly flooded and said to be impassable near Martyrs Memorial Church. The Broadway Roundabout was closed, but has now reopened.
In Co Londonderry, one road is obstructed after a shed roof was blown onto it, and in Coleraine, the Mountain Road was briefly closed due to snow, with a gritter becoming stuck in the area.
Some parkrun events, including the Stormont parkrun, have been cancelled, and several Irish League games are in doubt, including the Portadown v Glenavon derby clash.
Meanwhile in the Irish Republic, thousands of homes are without power.
Here’s what’s happening around Northern Ireland:
Key updates
60,000 without power in Irish Republic
Weather warnings in place as Storm Bert hits NI
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.
Broadway Roundabout closed
We reported earlier about heavy flooding affecting the Broadway Roundabout. It’s now been closed by police.
New weather warning
The Met Office has just issued a new weather warning for Sunday. It says strong winds associated with Storm Bert are likely to cause some disruption to travel and utilities. The warning is in place from 11am to 6pm tomorrow. “Strong southwesterly winds are expected to develop during Sunday morning across Northern Ireland. “Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely with gusts of up 65 mph possible over hills and exposed locations around the coast. Winds will gradually ease during Sunday night.”
Rail disruption
The rail lines between Belfast and Antrim and Newry and Portadown are closed due to flooding, according to Translink.
Shed roof blown onto road
A shed roof has been reported to have been blown onto the Ballyquinn Road in Dungiven. Police advised road users to avoid the area.
Newtownards warning
“Motorists are urged to take extra care on a number of roads in the Newtownards area due to the impact of poor weather conditions this morning,” the PSNI said.
“There is a fallen tree on the Belfast Road, and there is also a report of a fallen tree on the Springvale Road, between Ballyhalbert and Ballywalter, at its junction with the Inishargie Road. Both lanes are currently blocked as a result of this.”
Second pitch inspection
There is also a 10.30am pitch inspection at Taylors Avenue ahead of Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts.
Pitch inspection
One of the day’s biggest Irish League games is now subject to a pitch inspection. Mid-Ulster rivals Portadown and Glenavon are due to meet at Shamrock Park. There is an 11am pitch inspection.
Parkrun cancelled
Some parkrun events, including the Stormont parkrun, have been cancelled.
Ferry cancelled
P&O Ferries said it had cancelled the 4am sailing between Larne and Cairnryan in Scotland’s south west this morning.
Flooding on the A2 Shore Road at Jordanstown as Storm Bert hit Northern Ireland. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press
Watch: Snow arrives in Northern Ireland as temperatures fall below 0
