Flood warnings in place as Storm Isha closes in

Advice has been issued to road users as Storm Isha makes her way towards the North.

Multi-agency partners have met and will continue to meet over the weekend as preparations continue ahead of Storm Isha which is forecast to bring strong winds on tomorrow (Sunday) and Monday.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for strong and disruptive winds from 6pm on tomorrow until 9am on Monday.

Meanwhile, a yellow warning for wind is in place from noon Sunday until noon Monday.

Conditions are expected to affect all of the North, with the strongest winds due to blow in the early hours of Monday, especially in exposed locations.

The weather conditions could lead to debris on the roads, fallen trees and flooding. Conditions could lead to traffic disruption and the public are being asked to consider their journeys and if travelling are advised to take extra care and exercise caution given the risk of obstructions on the roads. Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible – please remember not to drive through flood water.

Ongoing industrial action may disrupt the Department of Infrastructure’s response to any potential storm clear up operation and other essential services which are routinely delivered by DfI staff including:

Assistance to those incidents with most impact to life and property.
Response and clear-up operation to fallen trees and debris on the roads.
Repair of serious defects such as manhole collapse or potholes.
Gully clearing and cleansing.
Response to calls to the flood incident line.
Response to flood emergencies.
While contingency arrangements to deal with industrial action are being put in place, this will not replace the full maintenance service from the Department.

Members of the public should continue to report incidents of flooding to the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency. Problems on the road network including obstructions should be reported at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/travel-transport-and-roads/problems-roads-and-streets.

Information about preparing for possible flooding, and what to do after a flood, is available at nidirect – Flooding in your area.

Advice for road users in all adverse weather conditions can be found at nidirect – Driving in adverse weather.

DfI will continue to prioritise, where possible, the most urgent incidents and we will keep our advice to the public under review. We apologise for any inconvenience to the public in the meantime.