- Written by Barra Best
- BBC News NI Weathercaster
image source, Getty Images
Transportation disruptions and power outages may occur depending on weather conditions
A severe weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland as Storm Isha approaches.
Yellow weather warnings begin at midday and call for strong winds of up to 80 mph (130 kph) on some coasts and gusts of 60 to 70 mph (100 to 115 kph) inland.
Disruption is expected and travelers are warned to use caution.
Hours before the storm reached its peak, dozens of flights had already been canceled at Dublin Airport.
Other flights were diverted to other airports, and some were forced to turn before landing.
As the storm increases in intensity, an Amber warning, the second highest level, will be issued from 6pm Japan time.
It will run until 06:00 on Monday. The yellow alert also expires at noon Monday.
This means large coastal waves can increase the risk of power outages, property damage, travel disruption, injury and danger to life.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that winds of up to 90 miles per hour (145 kilometers per hour) are possible in exposed coastal areas and hilly areas during this period.
Stormy weather gives way to snow-covered cold waves in parts of Northern Ireland
People are being warned of debris and fallen trees on roads, possible flooding and large waves in coastal areas.
The department also recommended that continuing industrial action could disrupt response, clean-up operations and other DfI services in affected areas.
- Support for accidents that have the greatest impact on life and property
- Response and removal work to fallen trees and debris on roads
- Repairing serious defects such as sunken manholes and potholes
- Gutter cleaning and purification
- Responding to calls to the Flood Incident Line
- Response to flood disasters
The Met Office urged people to keep up to date with weather forecasts as well as advice from local authorities and emergency services.
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Newry Morne District Council has announced that Castlewellan, Delamont, Kilbrony and Slieve Gullion forest and country parks will be closed on Sunday due to the storm.
The store is scheduled to reopen at noon Monday, subject to safety inspections.
An emergency alert has been issued
Meanwhile, numerous severe weather warnings have been in place across the country for most of the day in the Republic of Ireland.
Ireland’s Met Éireann has issued a red status warning, the highest level ever seen, for three counties.
The wind warning will be issued at 17:00 local time for County Galway and County Mayo, and at 21:00 local time for County Donegal.
Fierce and destructive winds are expected, especially in coastal and exposed areas.
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A yellow alert was issued for the entire Republic of Ireland at 11am on Sunday.
The measures will remain in place until early Monday morning, but will be upgraded to the second-highest level, orange alert, on Sunday evening.
Some flights from Dublin Airport have already been diverted to other airports, and some have been forced to turn before landing.
Further flight disruptions are expected within the next 24 hours.
Met Eireann warns of large coastal waves, difficult travel conditions, fallen trees and damaged power lines.
A status red marine weather warning has also been issued for coastal waters off the north and northwest of Ireland from 7pm local time on Sunday until 1am on Monday.
The Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned motorists to slow down and keep their distance if strong winds are blowing.
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The worst winds are expected later on Sunday.
Once the storm passes, there will be some relief from the very strong winds until another wind warning is issued at 4pm on Tuesday.
The effects are expected to last until midday Wednesday, during which time further disruption to travel and public services is expected.
However, the timing of that warning may change between now and later.