Flights and ferries cancelled as yellow wind warning in place

Man in the city gets his umbrella caught in the wind and turned inside out. He is standing in the rain. He has dark hair and beard, wearing glasses and a purple rain coats. Autumn leaves are on the ground.Getty Images

The Met Office yellow wind warning alert lasts from 13:00 GMT until 23:00 on Thursday

Almost 20 flights have been cancelled at Belfast City Airport as Northern Ireland is hit by heavy winds and rain.

A yellow Met Office alert lasts from 13:00 GMT until 23:00 as the south to south-easterly winds strengthen through the afternoon and evening.

The 19 flights between Belfast City and airports in Great Britain are off, as well as the 16:00 and 20:00 P&O Ferry sailings between Larne and Cairnryan in Scotland.

A number of Halloween events have been cancelled or rescheduled due to the strong winds expected.

Gusts up to 50mph (80km/h) were expected, with up to 70mph (115km/h) forecast over higher ground and around exposed coastal areas, particularly towards the east coast.

Outbreaks of rain can also be expected on Thursday, becoming heavier at times later in the day.

The Met Office has warned of potential disruption to road, rail, air and ferry transport as well as the possibility of some short-term loss of power.

The flights cancelled at Belfast City Airport are typically smaller regional aircraft that have propellers.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said the City Cemetery, Altnagelvin Cemetery and Ballyoan Cemetery will be closed from 16:30.

'It's a real shame'

Naomi McLaughlin back left, she has light hair and is wearing a pink poncho and her sons Leo and Daniel McLaughlin who both have light hair and their aunt Ruth McLaughlin on back right, who also has light hair and is wearing a yellow coat and blue and white top.

Naomi McLaughlin back left and her sons Leo and Daniel McLaughlin and their aunt Ruth McLaughlin on back right

The annual Halloween festival in Londonderry is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors to the city but the weather has put a dampener on some events.

Parent Naomi McLaughlin, who travelled to Derry from Belfast said: "We're a bit disappointed.

"We did manage to get round the town last night so we'll hopefully take in some of the inside events tonight."

Her sister Ruth McLaughlin told BBC News NI: "It's a real shame, it's a great thing for the city every year.

"Everyone obviously looks forward to it, my sister came down from Belfast and it's just disappointing the outdoor events aren't on."

BBC News NI will be capturing the Halloween festivities in Derry, with a dedicated onlive live page from 17:00 GMT on Friday.

A live stream of the parade and fireworks will be available to watch from 19:00 on Friday.

Related topics