Storm Arwen: Man dies as high winds strike NI

Storm Arwen has brought crashing waves to Portstewart

A man has died after a tree fell on his car as Storm Arwen hit Northern Ireland on Friday.

The incident took place on the Dublin Road in Antrim at about 15:30 GMT.

The victim has been named locally as Francis Lagan, the principal of St Mary's Primary School in Maghera.

A message on the school's website said: "It is with great pain and sadness this evening that I have to inform you of the untimely death of our much loved principal Mr Lagan.

"May his gentle soul rest in peace."

Storm disruption

Ferries were cancelled and a number of roads were blocked in high winds and heavy rain.

A weather warning is in place until 18:00 on Saturday.

Gusts of wind up to 100km/h - 60mph - were expected in exposed areas.

All of P&O Ferries' sailings between Larne and Cairnryan on Friday have been cancelled, as have Stenaline's sailings between Belfast and Cairnryan.

Stenaline will review the situation at 03:00 GMT on Saturday.

Ferry sailings between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island are cancelled on Friday and are also expected to be affected on Saturday.

Power outages have also affected a number of locations across Northern Ireland.

At one stage more than 2,400 homes in Larne were left without without electricity, according to NIE.

The Met Office warns that:

• Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible

• Some damage to trees, temporary structures and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen

• Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible

• Some roads and bridges may close

• Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

• Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties

High winds are expected along the north coast through the first part of the day; causing large waves and possible disruption.

Severe gales in excess of 105kmh/65mph are forecast around coastal areas later on Friday and into the early hours of Saturday, before easing slightly during the afternoon and evening.

• Barra, Méabh, and Pól among new storm names

• Why do storms have names?

A weather warning has been issued across Northern Ireland by the Met Office from 09:00 on Friday until 18:00 on Saturday

Although the strongest winds will affect coastal areas, inland parts can also expect some very windy conditions.

In the Republic of Ireland, a severe weather warning has also been issued for Counties Donegal, Mayo, and Sligo for Friday and Saturday by Met Éireann.

The RNLI has urged the public to exercise "extreme caution" if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Big waves in Carrickfergus in February this year

The charity advised people to stay out of the sea during the stormy conditions and not to take unnecessary risks near breaking waves.

"While stormy conditions may be tempting to watch, it is important to remember the sea is very dangerous and unpredictable and big waves can easily knock you off your feet," said Kevin Rahill, the RNLI's water safety lead.

Very strong winds are forecast for parts of the UK and Ireland on Friday and Saturday