Storm Darragh Causes Widespread Power Outages in Northern Ireland
Community Support Initiatives Launched
In the wake of Storm Darragh, community support centers are set to open their doors for those affected by extensive power outages. As reported by NIE Networks, approximately 95,000 customers experienced disruptions during the storm, with nearly 12,000 still lacking electricity as of now. The utility company has indicated that it may take several days to restore power fully.
To expedite recovery efforts, NIE Networks has mobilized around 600 personnel and is actively seeking additional staff from other regions in the UK.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Alex Houston, operations manager at NIE Networks, stated that most major faults impacting large groups of customers have been addressed. However, he noted that around 1,200 smaller issues persist across the network. “While we have made significant progress in restoring service,” he explained, “some faults affect only a handful of customers and will require more time to resolve.”
Community Assistance Centers Opened
NIE Networks will establish community assistance centers throughout Northern Ireland on Sunday afternoon. From 14:00 to 16:00 GMT on December 8th, leisure facilities in various locations will provide support for those still without power:
- South Lake Leisure Centre (Craigavon)
- Lagan Valley Leisureplex (Lisburn)
- Ards Blair Mayne (Newtownards)
- Seven Towers (Ballymena)
- Cookstown Leisure Centre
- Kilkeel Leisure Centre
- Fermanagh Lakeland Forum
Additionally, Coleraine Leisure Centre will be available from noon until 15:00 GMT on Sunday. These centers aim to offer warm beverages and charging stations while staff from NIE Networks assist with inquiries. The Red Cross is also collaborating with NIE to extend support across multiple sites.
Weather Warnings and Infrastructure Impact
An amber wind warning—indicating severe weather—was issued from early Saturday morning until mid-afternoon. A subsequent yellow wind warning remained active until early Sunday morning.
The Department for Infrastructure reported responding to approximately 900 incidents related primarily to debris on roadways and fallen trees due to high winds and flooding conditions. Authorities advised residents against non-essential travel over the weekend as numerous traffic accidents were recorded.
A significant number of road closures remain enforced; therefore travelers are encouraged to plan their routes carefully before heading out.
Power Generation Disruptions Noted
On Saturday morning at one point during the storm’s peak intensity, train services across Northern Ireland were halted; however many lines have since resumed operations albeit with delays affecting schedules significantly. Bus services along with flights and ferry operations also faced interruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
Electricity generation was temporarily suspended at Ballylumford Power Station after structural damage was reported concerning one of its chimneys—a critical facility supplying energy throughout Northern Ireland.
Numerous festive events were canceled as local councils closed various public amenities over the weekend; all six matches scheduled within the Irish Premiership league faced postponement leading fans into an unfortunate predicament according to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons’ remarks about this disruption.
Storm Statistics Highlight Severity
Storm Darragh marks itself as the fourth named storm this season following Ashley, Bertie & Conall respectively—with gusts reaching remarkable speeds:
- Orlock Head recorded gusts up to 78 mph (126 km/h)
- Killowen saw winds hitting 71 mph (114 km/h)
- Magilligan registered 68 mph (109 km/h)
In neighboring Republic of Ireland areas like County Galway experienced even stronger gusts peaking at 87 mph (140 km/h) when Storm Darragh swept through from Atlantic waters causing widespread outages affecting around 400 thousand homes/businesses, according ESB Networks who warned many could remain without supply for days ahead due damages incurred during this eventful period .
Essential Contacts for Residents Affected by Storm Damage
For ongoing updates regarding road closures or fallen trees caused by recent storms visit Traffic Watch NI. For current weather forecasts check resources such as Met Office or follow updates via BBC Weather.
Residents needing assistance can report emergencies or faults through these contacts:
– Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 03448 920901
– Openreach: 08000 23 20 23, or visit openreach.co.uk
– Gas networks emergency line: 0800 002001
– NI Water contact number: 03457 44 00 88, or niwater.com
– Flooding Incident Line available at:0300 2000 100
– For electrical issues reach out directly via NIE Networks hotline:03457 643643, nienetworks.co.uk
