When severe weather warnings are issued, they have the potential to impact and disrupt our daily lives in the form of travel delays, power cuts, flooding, danger from flying debris and fallen trees.

 

Weather warning

Weather warnings let the public and emergency services know about potentially hazardous conditions.

You can find out more about weather warnings on the Met Office website

 

Emergency numbers

You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:

  • Emergency services – 999 or 112
  • Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
  • NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
  • Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
  • Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
  • Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

 

Report a fallen tree or blocked road

You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:

 

Reporting a power cut

If your power is off and you want to report it or get more information, contact NIE Networks or visit their website:

  • NIE Networks Customer Helpline: 03457 643 643
  • Power cuts

You can find an updated list of areas affected by power cuts on the NIE Networks website

 

Flooding advice

If any flooding happens, you can report it by phoning the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.

The Flooding Incident Line is available 24 hours a day, every day. You can report flooding problems on roads or burst water mains and blocked drains.

When you ring the flooding incident line, a member of staff will:

  • take all your details
  • contact the appropriate agency on your behalf

This is a non emergency number, so if you are in danger, call the emergency services on 999.

There is general flooding advice in the following section, including preparing for a flood and what to do if flooding happens:

 

Roads information

You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:

 

School closures

You can find information about school closures at this link:

 

Public transport

For the latest information on bus services, go to the 'Travel update' section on the Translink website

 

Strong winds advice

You should: 

 

  • secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture, wheelie bins, trampolines, or anything else that could be blown around
  • close and securely fasten doors and windows
  • park vehicles in a garage (if you have one) or keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls, and fences
  • make sure you are prepared should there be a power cut

During a storm you should:

  • stay indoors as much as possible
  • if you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees 
  • not go outside to repair damage while the storm is ongoing
  • not drive unless your journey is really necessary 

After a storm you should:

  • be careful not to touch any electrical/ telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
  • not walk too close to walls, buildings, and trees as they could have been weakened

 

Preparing for a power cut

It's important to be prepared for a potential loss of power. You should:

  • know where your household fuses and trip switches are so that you can check if the problem is with your electrics only
  • test smoke alarms regularly
  • keep a supply of new batteries in torches and radios (for checking updates on news bulletins)
  • keep a supply of candles
  • keep mobile phones, laptops or tablets fully charged – so you will have use of battery power for a short time at least
  • have the telephone numbers you might need to hand (as well as mobile phones, a non-mains powered landline telephone will help you stay in touch during any disruptions to your power supply)
  • if you have a baby at home, make sure you have a supply of pre-prepared formula baby milk (if used) and prepare a flask of hot water to heat bottles and baby food (it is always safer to make up a fresh feed; when this is not possible, feeds should never be stored for longer than 24 hours)

If you depend on electrical equipment that is vital to your health, contact Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Networks to get on their Critical Care Register:

 

If your electricity goes off

If your electricity goes off, you should:

  • check your fuses and trip switches - then check if your neighbours are without power
  • leave one light on
  • leave your fridge/ freezer switched on with the door shut to maintain a low temperature
  • check that other electrical appliances and machinery are switched off at the wall
  • preferably use a torch, oil or gas lamp as a source of light rather than candles
  • if you must use naked flames, please take extra care and make certain that they are put out before you go to bed
  • check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours in your area to make sure they are okay
  • if you are using a generator, be careful where you site it in case of carbon monoxide poisoning

 

Water supply

In the event of difficulties with the water and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility. 

You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:

  • 03457 440088