- Written by Barra Best
- BBC News NI Weathercaster
image source, Rachel Conn
Ballykelly’s Snowy Spaniel
Stormy weather is expected over the weekend, marking the end of the recent cold snap that has hit Northern Ireland.
A quiet landscape of snow and ice will give way to mild, humid, windy weather from the Atlantic Ocean starting Friday night.
A Yellow Wind Warning has been issued from midday Sunday to midday Monday.
Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h (60 mph) are possible in many areas.
Higher speeds can occur in coastal and exposed areas, reaching up to 115 km/h (70 mph).
As the storm intensifies, the wind warning will be upgraded to the second highest level, Amber, from 6pm GMT on Sunday until 9am on Monday.
During this period, the risk of damage and disruption increases, with wind speeds of up to 130 km/h (80 mph) possible in some exposed coastal areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of potential power outages, damage to buildings and disruption to travel, and highlighted the danger to life from large coastal waves.
On Thursday, Northern Ireland experienced its coldest day in more than a year, with temperatures in some areas staying below -2C.
Gritting was limited due to the combination of cold weather and dangerous road conditions following the strike.
Parts of Northern Ireland have been covered in snow since Wednesday.
image source, Janet Irons
Limavady igloo weather
According to TransLink, some buses were canceled due to the weather.
On Friday, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) reminded road users to continue to use caution when traveling.
“If you need to travel, please use caution, especially if traveling on unpaved roads,” the DfI said.
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Storm Isha is the ninth named storm of the season, which began on September 1, and the first to begin with the letter “I” since February 2016.
This follows Storm Genk, which caused havoc and severe damage in parts of the UK in early January.
Warnings have also been issued in various parts of the UK in preparation for the impending storm.
A glitter truck leaves Derry’s Woodburn depot on Friday.
Newry Morne District Council has announced that Castlewellan, Delamont, Kilbrony and Slieve Gullion forest and country parks will be closed on Sunday due to Storm Isha.
The store is scheduled to reopen at noon Monday, subject to safety inspections.
The Republic of Ireland will also be affected by the storm.
A yellow alert has been put in place across the republic from 11pm GMT on Sunday until 6am on Monday.
Ireland’s Met Office has warned of the potential for large waves along the coast, difficult navigation conditions and the potential for shifting falling objects.
As the storm approaches, some areas of the country may be upgraded to a status orange warning.
Ballougry Road, Londonderry