Storm Ciara is expected to arrive around midday tomorrow with a yellow weather warning in place across Northern Ireland for the weekend.
The third locally-named storm is expected to bring with it strong winds which may cause widespread travel disruption and power cuts.
It is thought winds could reach speeds of up to 50/60mph inland and 70/80mph in exposed hills and coasts. Coastal areas may also be affected by flooding.
The Department of Infrastructure this afternoon said multi-agency partners had met today to finalise preparations.
It advised members of the public to take extra care when travelling this weekend and said it may be necessary to close roads or put temporary restrictions in place.
"The department’s roads and rivers teams have been checking and clearing road gullies and drainage grills and staff will be on standby across the weekend. Monitoring of water levels and tides has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warnings have elapsed. Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations."
- To report incidents of flooding contact 0300 2000 100
Strong winds are forecast this weekend. If your power is affected or you see any of our lines or poles broken, stay clear and contact us immediately on our 24/7 customer helpline or report online https://t.co/VYDkQuLFIV #weatheraware #safety #weatherwarnings #powercut pic.twitter.com/xkayswqFPI
— NIE Networks (@NIElectricity) February 7, 2020
A further Met Office warning has been issued for wind and snow in Northern Ireland on Monday and Tuesday.
It is expected that snow and strong winds could lead to blizzard conditions over high ground with lightning strikes also possible.
The warning comes into force at midnight on Sunday.
A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Storm Ciara is expected to bring a range of impacts, including delays and cancellations to transport services, damage to power supplies and large coastal waves.
"In the wake of Storm Ciara, it’ll remain unsettled and very windy across the UK and it’ll turn colder with wintry showers and ice an additional hazard, as we head into the new week," he said.
