Wind warnings issued as 70mph gusts expected

Storm Éowyn brought strong winds to Northern Ireland at the end of January, including here in Carnlough on the north east coast

Northern Ireland is due for some unsettled weather over the next few days.

Two yellow wind warnings have been issued by the Met Office.

The first warning, which ends at 13:00 GMT on Friday, covers mainly the eastern counties.

Gusts up to 65mph are expected on Irish Sea and North Channel coasts and gale force gusts are also likely inland for parts of counties Antrim, Armagh and Down.

In a statement, Police Scotland said ferry sailings on Friday between Cairnryan and Northern Ireland have been cancelled.

A spokesperson said: "Those booked on to any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the area due to the impending weather warning and delays are expected."

The second warning comes into force on Sunday and affects the whole of Northern Ireland, with the peak likely to be through the late morning into the early afternoon.

Gale force winds will be accompanied by spells of rain making for unpleasant road conditions.

Highest gusts up to 70mph are expected towards Irish Sea coasts with some coastal routes being affected by large waves.

Disruption to travel is likely with delays possible and power supplies could also be affected.

While milder air has reached our shores, low pressure in the Atlantic is leading to these spells of very windy weather with weather fronts moving through and tightly packed isobars leading to the strong winds or gales.

In between the two warnings, Saturday looks set to be the better day of the weekend.

It is not due to be as windy and drier sunny spells are forecast.