BBC
Belfast City Airport has urged passengers to check flight status before arriving at the airport.
Approximately 4,000 homes across Northern Ireland are currently without power due to strong winds.
Northern Ireland Power said Storm Ashley had caused low-level damage to its network, but more customers were likely to be affected.
Dozens of flights were canceled at Belfast City and Dublin airports.
Passengers on some flights that landed at Belfast City Airport said the winds were too strong to disembark.
Comber resident Tracy Godfrey told BBC News NI: “I flew from Alicante to Belfast through a storm and landed safely, but I can’t get off the plane.”
Passengers were reportedly unable to take steps onto the plane due to strong winds.
“The crew gave us great information, but we were fourth in a line of five planes and they might tow us to the overpass and then we could just get off the plane.” she added.
“But our suitcases are still on the plane, so we have to go back tomorrow to get them.”
The Met Office issued an amber warning for the western counties until 8pm PST, with a weather station in Killowen, County Down, recording wind gusts of 81mph (130km/h).
A yellow wind warning is in place across Northern Ireland until midnight, with wind gusts of up to 70mph (115km/h) expected.
Translink also warned of delays and disruption to rail travel.
pacemaker
A tree has fallen on Belfast Road in Newtownards.
Belfast City Airport is reminding passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport.
The cancellations mainly affect Aer Lingus flights.
Do you want to allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We may use cookies and other technologies, so we ask for your permission before loading anything. Please read and before accepting. To view this content, select “Agree and continue”.
accept and continue
Meanwhile, Stenalin and P&O sailings between Northern Ireland and Scotland have been significantly affected, with most sailings canceled on Sunday.
Translink also warned that weather conditions could cause disruption to the rail network on Sunday.
Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure said temporary storm surge protection structures were in place along the River Lagan in high-risk areas such as Rockview Road and Cutters Wharf in south Belfast.
pacemaker
Windbreaks have been installed around Cutter’s Wharf in Stranmillis
Newry Morne Down District Council has announced that four forest parks in the district – Castlewellan, Delamont, Kilbroney and Slieve Gullion – will be closed on Sunday due to the increased likelihood and risk associated with falling branches and debris. It was announced that public access would be prohibited.
Fermanagh District Council and Omagh District Council have also announced the closure of some outdoor council facilities, including Gortin Glens Forest Park.
Additionally, all public parks and lawns are closed in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, as are recycling centers in Pennyburn, Strathfoyle and Strahans Road.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon councils have announced that the opening of residential recycling centers on Monday may be delayed.
Do you want to allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We may use cookies and other technologies, so we ask for your permission before loading anything. Please read and before accepting. To view this content, select “Agree and continue”.
accept and continue
Met Éireann, which has issued warnings across the Republic of Ireland, has named the storm as the second highest warning for counties including County Galway and County Mayo from 10am to 8pm local time on Sunday. A status orange warning level was issued. Winds are expected to blow across all of Ireland and parts of the UK, particularly Scotland.
Wind gusts can reach 70-80 mph (113-129 km/h) on exposed coasts and highlands.
Approximately 53,000 homes and businesses are without power in the Republic of Ireland.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for winds for parts of County Fermanagh, Tyrone, Londonderry and County Antrim from 1pm to 8pm. This is the second-highest alert level, and the Bureau of Meteorology says “some disruption to transportation and power supplies is possible.”
An orange alert is in place for the entire west coast of the Republic of Ireland.
This is the second highest alert level and indicates an increased risk of damage or disruption.
Met Eireann predicts coastal flooding, difficult travel conditions and dangerous seas along Counties Clare, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.
A yellow alert has been put in place for the rest of the country from midnight Saturday to 3am BST on Monday.
“Don’t put yourself or others at unnecessary risk.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is advising road users to consider whether they need to travel and to use extreme caution if they do.
They said in a statement: “If you must travel, please keep the current situation in mind. It may take longer than usual, drive slowly to minimize the impact of gusty winds, and avoid exposure to Please be careful of high-sided vehicles in areas with a lot of traffic.” Strong winds may cause fallen trees and debris to blow onto the road. ”
Assistant Chief Constable Davey Beck added: “Please consider the potential risks before you set out. Don’t put yourself or others at unnecessary risk.”
Why do storms have names?
The latest storm name season begins on September 1st and will be used until August 31st, 2025.
Ashley is the first name on the alphabetical list, so the next storm will be named Bart, then Conal.
If the impact of severe weather is considered to be ‘medium’ or ‘high’, the Met Office, Met Eireen or the Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) can name the storm.
It is believed that naming storms will make the public more aware of the potential impacts of severe weather.
