Holidays Travel

Winds of 70mph expected to cause havoc with Christmas travel

A yellow weather warning has been put in place for Northern Ireland from Friday through until Sunday, with high winds expected of up to 70mph. Picture by Justin Kernoghan
A yellow weather warning has been put in place for Northern Ireland from Friday through until Sunday, with high winds expected of up to 70mph. Picture by Justin Kernoghan A yellow weather warning has been put in place for Northern Ireland from Friday through until Sunday, with high winds expected of up to 70mph. Picture by Justin Kernoghan

A WEATHER warning is in place ahead of Christmas with a major storm expected to hit the north on Friday.

Storm Barbara is expected to bring the strongest gusts in the early hours, with a yellow weather warning issued from tomorrow until Sunday.

The second highest wind warning - Status Orange - has been issued by Met Éireann for coastal regions and high ground parts of Donegal and Mayo.

Gusts of wind up to 70mph are expected.

Anyone travelling has been warned to "be aware" with the Met Office urging people to plan journeys and think about possible travel delays due to "potential for disruption to holiday travel plans".

There are also warnings about possible disruption to power supplies hitting travel plans, with restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries.

While the worst of the storm is expected to pass after Christmas Day the chances of a white Christmas appear to be dashed with forecasters predicting patchy rain and showers.

As well as disruption for those making their way home for Christmas there are concerns the extreme weather could impact on tomorrow's sell-out rugby match between Ulster and Connacht at Belfast's Kingspan Stadium.

Last month the home match with Zebre was postponed just over an hour before kick-off due to a frozen pitch.

Weather warnings have been issued across UK regions ahead of this weekend, with Scotland expected to be worst hit by Storm Barbara.