Northern Ireland

Storm Barbara hits Irish shores

Surfers brave the heavy sea at Portrush on the north Antrim coast yesterday with Storm Barbara set to arrive. Gales up to 70mph are expected to last into Christmas Day. Picture Margaret McLaughlin  
Surfers brave the heavy sea at Portrush on the north Antrim coast yesterday with Storm Barbara set to arrive. Gales up to 70mph are expected to last into Christmas Day. Picture Margaret McLaughlin   Surfers brave the heavy sea at Portrush on the north Antrim coast yesterday with Storm Barbara set to arrive. Gales up to 70mph are expected to last into Christmas Day. Picture Margaret McLaughlin  

Storm Barbara reached Ireland today with a yellow weather warning in place for the coming 24 hour period, and a second warning in place for Sunday – Christmas Day.

Winds of up to 70 miles per hour are expected to batter the north, the Met Office has warned, while Scotland – which is linked to Northern Ireland by popular ferry routes - is preparing to bear the brunt of gusts reaching 90 mph.

Deputy chief meteorologist Chris Tubbs said: “The disturbed conditions look like continuing through Christmas weekend, with another vigorous low pressure system waiting in the wings.”

Ferry companies have warned those planning to travel on the Irish Sea in the coming days to prepare for disruption – with cancellations likely.

Stena Line, which operates routes from Belfast to Liverpool and Cairnryan in Scotland, advised those planning on sea travel during the festive period to closely monitor information on potential changes.

A spokesman told the Irish News: “We are keeping a close eye on how the weather is developing. Winter Storm Barbara is set to bring wet and windy conditions to the UK in the next few days. 

“Unfortunately this may cause disruption to some of our scheduled sailings so we would advise passengers to visit our Ferrycheck page or call 08705 755 755 for the latest updates on our sailings.”

P&O Ferries, which takes passengers between Larne and Cairnryan, and Dublin and Liverpool, said they would keep in close contact with those who had booked weekend sailings should disruption occur.

“We are monitoring the weather forecast closely and our website, social media and travel line are constantly being updated,” a spokeswoman said. 

"All passengers intending to travel will receive a text if any delays are expected. We would advise all passengers travelling over the festive period to follow us on social media @POferriesupdate for the most up-to-date information.”

Meanwhile, the ferry firm operating on the stretch of water between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle in Co Antrim, has warned that Storm Barbara could prevent family festive reunions at Christmas.

A spokeswoman said the chances of ferry services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day “are not looking good”.

She said: “Christmas Eve is usually a very busy time for the ferry, with many people going to and from Rathlin to visit loved ones. Unfortunately, Saturday could see disruption, and our skippers will be monitoring forecasts and will make the decision to cancel sailings in the morning.”