Storm Diana forerunner starts to disrupt travel

People in Belfast are bracing themselves for even stormier weather on Wednesday

Travel is already being disrupted by the wet and windy weather, ahead of Storm Diana which is expected to bring severe gales to Northern Ireland.

The rail line, closed between Larne and Whitehead earlier, has now reopened.

Dublin port in the Republic of Ireland has been closed to container shipping because of strong winds. Passenger ferries are operating as usual.

The Met Office has issued a warning for strong winds across much of Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

Storm Diana, named by the IPMA Portuguese weather service, is currently threatening the Azores and as it comes north it will bring severe gales, heavy rain but also milder air.

Tuesday night's County Antrim Shield semi-final between Ballymena Utd and Linfield at the Ballymena Showgrounds has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Translink has advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys on Wednesday.

The company said customers could find up-to-date information on its social media feeds and website.

"We are working closely with the Met Office and other agencies to allow us to make informed decisions, to ensure we have staff on the ground where needed," the company said.

"Our crews are also ready to respond to clear debris from the railway and to operate bus diversions if roads are closed."

Gusts of up to 60mph (97 km/h) were recorded along Irish Sea coast on Tuesday, with stronger winds expected on Wednesday.