Storm Darragh: Council issues update on services across Derry this weekend

As Storm Darragh is set to have an impact across the Northwest region this weekend, Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging the public to take all the necessary precautions to keep safe and to protect themselves and their property in the event of possible flooding and widespread disruption.

An Amber Warning for Wind is in place from 1.00am to 9.00pm on Saturday, a Yellow warning for Wind from 3.00pm on Friday to 6.00am on Sunday, while a Yellow Warning for Rain is in place from Friday afternoon until midday on Saturday.

In the interests of health and safety, all Council owned public parks, play parks will be closed on Saturday and we are advising the public to avoid using open spaces and areas where there are trees.

The public are advised that the weather warning will also have an impact on recycling centres across the Council on Saturday. While most will be closed there is a possibility some may be able to open if they are deemed safe to do so after a health and safety inspection.

Council outdoor sports and leisure facilities and courts will also be closed for this period. All scheduled sports activities at outdoor facilities will not go ahead on Saturday and the Council is liaising with clubs and user groups accordingly.

Cemeteries will be open for burials only and will be closed to the public on Saturday.

All Council owned Leisure Centres will open as normal except for Brooke Park Leisure Centre, which will be closed, and users advised to use facilities at Templemore Sports Complex.

READ NEXT: Met Office issue yellow weather warning to Derry ahead of Storm Darragh

Routine inspections will be carried out on all Council facilities on Sunday morning prior to them reopening. The public are asked to be patient as it may take time for them to open, and they will only be opened when deemed safe to do so.

Householders and businesses across the Council area are also encouraged to take the necessary measures to keep them and their property safe.

The following guidance has been provided by the Met Office.

Storm Darragh – The Amber wind warning valid for all of Northern Ireland on Saturday has been updated this morning and has now been assessed as a low likelihood of High impacts and is now valid from 0100 until 2100 on Saturday 7th December 2024.

YELLOW warning for RAIN for Northern Ireland from 1500hrs on Friday 6th to 1200hrs on Saturday 7th December: VERY LOW Likelihood of MEDIUM Impacts

What To Expect

• There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses
• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings
• Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services
• Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
• There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads
• Heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh could lead to some flooding and disruption.
• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
• Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
• Some roads and bridges likely to close, with falling trees an additional hazard
• Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties
• Further information: UK weather warnings - Met Office

What should I do?

• Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.  Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.  People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
• Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area
• Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions; drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual.
• Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
• If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
• People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
• Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

Emergency Contact numbers:

Emergency services 999 or 112

Flooding Incident Line  - 0300 2000 100

NI Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643

NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001

NI Water – 03457 440 088

Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

Report a blocked road – 0300 200 7891

For further advice see:

• https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/be-ready-for-emergencies
• http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/warnings
• https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/government/environmental-hazard-resilience/community-resilience
• https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/dfi-rivers-water-level-network
• https://twitter.com/nidirect
• Report a road drainage fault (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/report-road-drainage-fault);

NB - register on the Met Office website or download the Met Office app to receive weather warnings;  http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/mobile-digital-services/weather-app