Storm Boelo cancels Belfast flights as thousands lose power across NI
Flights at both Belfast airports were cancelled as Storm Boelo hit NI, with about 7,000 customers still without power on Sunday morning.
Storm Boelo forced flight cancellations at Belfast City and Belfast International airports over the weekend, with about 7,000 electricity customers across Northern Ireland still cut off at around 10.30am on Sunday 25 October. Gusts reached 78mph in Co Down, Belfast Telegraph reports.
NIE Networks said severe weather and high winds had damaged its electricity network. Hundreds of other incidents were reported, including flooding and fallen trees.
Flights diverted and bridge restrictions
A passenger travelling from Fuerteventura to Belfast International said their flight made two attempts to land before being diverted to Stansted. Passengers then slept in a Hilton hotel reception area.
The traveller also described people being sick on board during the attempted landing. Dublin Airport experienced cancellations too.
In Derry, the Foyle Bridge closed on Saturday 24 October and remained shut into Sunday. It reopened at around 2pm, but high-sided vehicles were still excluded.
Further wind warning on Tuesday
The weekend’s highest recorded gust in Northern Ireland was 78mph at Orlock Head. Magilligan recorded 73mph, while Castlederg in Co Tyrone reached 70mph.
A region-wide yellow wind warning ran from 10am on Saturday until midday on Sunday. Coastal areas also had an amber warning between 9pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.
For Monday 26 October, the forecast is for rain and cloud moving north in the morning, followed by wind. A drier afternoon spell is expected before more heavy rain, with temperatures reaching 16°C.
A yellow wind warning covers most of Tuesday 27 October. The Met Office warned that strong winds could bring damaging gusts and disrupt transport. Brighter spells are forecast for Wednesday 28 October and Thursday 29 October.
Source: Belfast Telegraph
