Summary

  • More than 20,000 households in Northern Ireland are still without power

  • NIE says some customers may not have power restored until Monday

  • A number of leisure centres will open on Sunday for those still impacted

  • The powerful gusts brought down a number of trees, blocking many roads and damaging homes

  • Bus, trains, flights and ferries were all affected by Storm Darragh

  • A Stena line ferry from Cairnryan which had been unable to berth in Belfast due to the weather finally docked on Saturday evening

  • A number of festive events were cancelled and councils closed some facilities

  • A yellow warning for strong wind remains in place across Northern Ireland until 06:00 GMT on Sunday

Live Reporting

Edited by Finn Purdy and Caroline McClatchey

  1. 'It's very rough out there'

    Keiron Tourish
    BBC News NI north west correspondent

    A man wearing a yellow high visibility sweater is standing in front of fallen tree which has been cut into pieces

    A tree surgeon in Londonderry has described how busy the last 24 hours have been for him and other tree surgeons in the area.

    “It's been a really stormy night with high winds and rain," said Tommy Dunn.

    "We started as a team after 02:00 GMT on Saturday clearing a number of roads in and around the city.

    "Down at Gransha and near Glenowen and Duncastle Road and on Ardmore Road there have been trees down.

    "It's very rough out there and we’ve a lot of work on to clear fallen trees.

    "I've been talking to other tree surgeons and the phones are completely melted."

  2. Belfast-Bangor line reopens

    The Bangor-Belfast train line has re-opened, Translink says.

    Speed restrictions are in place until further notice and passengers are advised to allow for delays and disruption.

    The Larne and Portadown lines reopened earlier.

    All other lines remain suspended at this time.

    Close shot of a Translink train, with logo and NI Railways textGetty Images

  3. Useful contacts

    To report faults or emergencies in your area caused by the storm you can contact:

    • Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 03448 920 901
    • Openreach: 08000 23 20 23 or visit openreach.co.uk
    • Gas networks: 0800 002001
    • NI Water: 03457 44 00 88 or visit niwater.com
    • Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100
    • NIE Networks: 03457 643 643 or visit nienetworks.co.uk
    • To report an obstruction on a road or street visit the NI Direct website or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899

  4. County Antrim road closures

    County Antrim needs a whole post to itself...

    Cullybackey Road closed at Sand Road.

    Several roads closed in the Antrim area include: Rougher Road, Staffordstown Road, New Street, Old Staffordstown Road, Marghereagh Lane, Magherafelt Road, Kilbegs Road, Thornhill Road, Rough Lane, Donegore Drive, Ashgreen, Bridge End Road and Fairways.

    Several roads closed in the Crumlin area including: Large Road, Ballydonaghy Road, British Road, Loanends Road, Diamond Road and Seven Mile Straight.

    Several roads closed in the Larne area including: Wellington Avenue, Browndod Road, Lower Cairncastle Road, Upper Cairncastle Road, Shaneshill Road/Ballymena Road, Straidkilly Road in Glenarm, Molyneaux Avenue, Ballystrudder Road, Bay Park Main Road in Glynn, Shore Road in Magheramorne, Cranfield Park in Larne, Lower Ballyboley in Larne, Curran Road in Larne, Glenarm Road in Larne, 93 Garron Road in Carnlough, 17 Tower Road in Carnlough, Cloughfin View in Islandmagee, Middle Road in Islandmagee.

  5. Update on the road situation

    Some updates from the Department of Infrastructure on road closures due to fallen trees and other obstructions:

    Belfast

    Malone Road at House of Sport Roundabout has now been reopened

    Upper Springfield Road closed at Monagh Bypass

    Falls Road closed at La Salle Drive in both directions

    County Armagh

    B131 Derrycoose Road closed - Power NI Cables on road

    B77 Ballygasey Road closed

    B77 Ballygasey Road closed

    U7431 Ballygassoon Road closed

    A51 Hamiltonsbawn Road closed

    A28 Killylea Road, partial closure

    County Down

    Dromore Road closed at Moira Road, Hillsborough

    Ballygowan Road, Comber closed

    County Tyrone

    Tullycullion Road closed

    Castlecaulfield Road closed

    Drumreany Road closed

    Old Ballygawley Road closed

    County Fermanagh

    Road users are advised the Pettigo Road, Kesh is blocked due to a fallen electricity pole

    Source: TrafficWatchNI

    "Road ahead closed" signEPA

  6. Darragh halts electricity generation at Ballylumford

    Electricity generation has been temporarily suspended at Ballylumford, one of Northern Ireland's main power stations.

    The natural gas-fired power station in Larne reported structural damage to one of its smaller chimneys due to Storm Darragh.

    "We are fully committed to ensuring the safe restoration of operations at Ballylumford," said station manager Tim McCullough.

    "The safety of our staff and the integrity of our equipment are our top priorities, and we are working closely with all necessary parties to minimise any disruption to electricity supply."

    Five white power plant chimneys, one of them is leaning to one sideMaxine Johnston

    One of the chimneys has been blown to an angle as a result of strong winds brought by Storm Darragh

  7. If you're just joining us...

    Storm Darragh has been causing havoc across Northern Ireland. Here's a quick recap:

    • Public transport chaos: At one point this morning there were no trains running in Northern Ireland. The Larne and Portadown lines have since reopened
    • Buses have also been affected with Translink's Goldline services cancelled and other services having to divert to avoid trees on the road
    • Speaking of fallen trees, several roads remain closed and the Department of Infrastructure said it had responded to 900 call-outs overnight
    • About 48,000 households are without power
    • Festive events have been cancelled across Northern Ireland, and Belfast's Christmas Market is closed for the day
    • Ferries to and from Belfast and Larne are not sailing, and one ferry which left Scotland in the early hours of the morning has been stuck as sea for 12 hours as it has been unable to berth in Belfast
    • Flights have been cancelled and delayed, mostly in and out of Belfast City airport

    A trampoline upside down and bent out of shape, resting on the garden fence of a house

    This trampoline is looking a bit worse for wear

  8. More on the stranded ferry

    Kevin Sharkey
    BBC News NI

    Earlier we brought you the news of a ferry that departed Scotland late last night but has been unable to berth in Belfast due to the weather.

    The Stena passenger ferry can be seen in its stationary position off the coast of Carrickfergus, County Antrim.

    The passengers have been on board through the night and there’s still no sign of any movement towards its destination at Belfast port.

    A Stena Line ferry off the coast under a cloudy sky. In the foreground some train tracks

  9. Larne line reopens

    The Larne train line has now reopened, Translink says.

    Trains are to run at reduced speed, with services subject to possible delays and short notice disruption.

    The Bangor and Derry-Londonderry train lines remain closed with services suspended until further notice.

    A train stopped at a platformTranslink

  10. In pictures: Dramatic images from Storm Darragh

    Storm Darragh has ripped across Northern Ireland, giving rise to dramatic scenes in coastal and inland areas.

    The mural of masked gunmen now only reads 'For Peace For War'

    The UVF mural in the Mount Vernon estate in north Belfast has been toppled by Storm Darragh

    High waves crash into Portstewart harbourStephen Henderson

    Portstewart

    High waves crash into Portstewart harbourStephen Henderson

    Portstewart harbour

    A back garden tree fallen into a house

    Another fallen tree. This was taken from an upstairs window of a house in Donaghadee.

    Portstewart hit by strong wavesStephen Henderson

    Portstewart

  11. Situation in the Republic of Ireland

    A person on a slipway in Clontarf, Dublin, with stormy seas and skiesPA Media

    In the Republic of Ireland some 325,000 customers are still without power as the country also feels the effect of the storm.

    Power has been restored to almost 75,000 customers so far today.

    ESB Networks says there has been widespread and extensive damage, and restoration will take a number of days.

    A red wind warning - the highest level - was in place in some counties overnight but that has now ended.

    An lower-level warning is currently in place for wind, and one for rain in some counties.

    Meanwhile, Dublin Airport confirmed a number of scheduled flights had been cancelled by airlines this morning.

    There are also multiple cancellations across public transport.

  12. Number without power rises

    An update from NIE Networks suggests there are now about 48,000 customers without power in Northern Ireland.

    Early assessment of damage by the company indicates reinstatement work will continue into at least tomorrow.

    The electricity provider adds that as wind speeds remain high, further damage could occur.

    A spokesperson for NIE says that hundreds of extra staff have been brought in to help.

  13. 900 incidents reported

    The Department of Infrastructure says its staff have been working through the night to respond to about 900 incidents, which are mainly debris on the roads, fallen trees and branches, and flooding.

    The department says essential travel only is advised today.

    A large tree fallen onto a van parked at the side of the road. There is visible damage to the roof of the van. Behind it are houses.

    South Belfast

  14. Public transport still severely limited

    The Belfast-Portadown train line has reopened following a previous closure.

    This is to allow for Enterprise services between Belfast and Dublin to resume. However, part of the line just north of Dublin between Malahide and Howth Junction remains closed.

    Translink says all other lines remain suspended at this time.

    The Department for Infrastructure said: "Translink have taken steps to mitigate against the effects of Storm Darragh.

    "Additional buses are on standby. Additional support and teams are also on stand-by, including chainsaw crews, to assist with any fallen debris blocking the railway."

  15. 'March on' say Apprentice Boys

    A line of men wearing maroon sashes marching along a road with some buildings in the background.

    Despite the weather, the Apprentice Boys of Derry parade is going ahead as planned in Londonderry.

    Although the organisation says it is yet to take a decision on whether or not to burn the traditional effigy.

    "The health and safety and wellbeing of our members remains paramount," governor William Walker says.

    It is also expected that turnout could be affected by Storm Darragh, and the cancellation of trains and buses.

  16. In pictures: Storm Darragh leaves his mark

    Fallen trees have been causing a lot of problems this morning. Here are some pictures from around Northern Ireland.

    a large tree laying against a residential property

    A tree has fallen on a residential property in Ballymoney - there was not too much damage but the resident said the tree had been planted by his late mother and had sentimental value

    Two trees fallen across the road about 50m apart. Behind them a cyclist making their way along the road.Pacemaker

    Upper Malone Road in Belfast

    A tree with orange leaves lying across a residential street. In the background some houses and carsPacemaker

    Rosemary Park, Malone Road

    A large tree fallen into the road exposing its roots. In front of it two traffic cones. behind it some houses.

    Fairhill, Ballymena

    A large tree lying across the road with a police car with its lights on parked in front of it. A road sign showing directions to Larne and Ballyclare to the side of the roadPacemaker

    Ballyclare Road, Templepatrick

    A large sparse tree blocking a road

    Broughshane, County Antrim

  17. Traffic diversion at the Titanic Quarter

    A building site with a barricade in front of it with a sign saying 'road closed ahead'Pacemaker Press

    Due to concerns around the safety of scaffolding as a result of the strong winds, Belfast Harbour Police are diverting traffic on Queens Road.

    Alternative access to both the Titanic Museum and Titanic Hotel are available.

  18. Santa experience hit by Darragh

    Another cancellation and this one will be of huge disappointment to those children hoping to see the big man at The Santa Express at Oakfield Park in Donegal.

    It is a popular Christmas event, and those who had booked will be offered to reschedule or a refund.

    Oakfield Park has posted on social media urging people to stay safe.

    Message relating to the cancellation of a Christmas eventInstagram

  19. Festive events cancelled

    Several festive events have fallen foul of Storm Darragh.

    They include:

    • Belfast Christmas Market - closed on Saturday
    • Enchanted winter garden in Antrim Castle gardens - closed on Friday and Saturday
    • Christmas weekend at Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport - cancelled
    • Elf Escape at the Marble Arch Caves - cancelled
    • Dundonald Christmas Market - delayed
    • National Trust Christmas Fair at the Argory in Dungannon - canclled
    • Christmas craft activities in Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday - rescheduled
    Belfast City Hall with the gates closed. Christmas market stalls and a Christmas tree can be seen within the grounds.

  20. Debris blocking roads around Lisburn

    Richard Morgan
    BBC News NI Presenter

    Some surrounding roads leading to Lisburn are proving difficult to travel.

    Part of the Ballinderry Road, near Magheragall Parish Church, is closed due to the weather.

    Further along a large tree is also blocking the road.

    Vehicles are trying to make their way around the fallen tree, only to be met with more debris and minor flooding.

    I’ve had to advise people waiting at a nearby bus stop that it’s highly unlikely a bus will turn up given the conditions.

    A large fallen tree blocking a road that has hedges on either side. There are dark skies above.