Travel disruption likely as yellow weather warning issued

Waves crash against a promenade wall in a town on the Antrim coast in Northern Ireland. A row of detached houses is partially obscured by spray which is as high as the roofs. Behind the town are snow topped hills. PA Media

The Met Office has warned of dangerous conditions around coastal areas

Barra Best
BBC News NI weather presenter

Weather warnings for strong winds have been issued for Northern Ireland this weekend, potentially causing Christmas travel disruption.

Gusts between 50-60mph (80km/h-95km/h) are expected quite widely on Saturday, with coastal and high ground areas experiencing stronger gusts.

Wintry showers on Saturday night and through Sunday are also likely to bring snow, especially over hills and mountains, affecting some communities and higher transport routes.

The Met Office yellow alert lasts from 07:00 GMT until midnight.

The organisation has warned of likely delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport, as well as dangerous conditions around the coasts.

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Large waves and spray could affect coastal communities with possible power outages for parts of Northern Ireland.

Given that it is the last shopping weekend before Christmas, increased travel volume could increase disruption.

50-60mph winds on Sunday

Strong winds will persist on Sunday with a second yellow warning lasting from midnight on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday.

Gusts between 50-60mph can again be expected across much of Northern Ireland with gusts around 70mph for coastal and hilly areas.

Squally showers with hail and thunder are also possible through the day.

Together, these could result in similar disruption expected on Saturday to travel, coastal areas, and infrastructure.

In the Republic of Ireland, a two-day yellow warning has been issued for six counties.

The alert for Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo lasts from 03:00 local time on Saturday until 18:00 on Sunday.

Irish weather service Met Éireann is warning of difficult driving conditions, large coastal waves, and fallen trees.

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