Woman dies in Co.Galway after caravan is blown off a cliff

Q Radio news

A woman has died in Co Galway after the caravan she was staying in was blown off a cliff.

The woman in her 50s was pronounced dead at the scene in Clifden.

It comes as Ireland continues to be hit with strong winds as a result of Storm Ali.

The Met Office updated its amber wind warning, saying there is now a high likelihood of impacts, as well as extending the area it covers.

More than 32,000 homes are without power across the province due to the high winds of Storm Ali. In Belfast, a lorry has been smashed by a falling tree in Osborne Park. pic.twitter.com/2o6JRXrQRn

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 19 September 2018

The warning, which covers Northern Ireland, northern parts of England and southern Scotland, will also now remain in place until 6pm on Wednesday.

Debris could lead to injuries or pose a danger to life, while damage to buildings and travel disruption is likely.

There is also potential for damage to buildings, fallen trees, travel cancellations, road closures and large waves in coastal areas, the forecaster added.

(pic by McAuley multimedia)

Several councils in Northern Ireland have closed public parks and cemeteries in preparation for the storm. 

People are also being asked to avoid coastal areas, and not to take chances near cliff edges or waterways. 

(pic by McAuley multimedia)

The Orritor Primary School in Cookstown is among the schools which have taken the decision to close early.

Its Principal, Kenneth Wright has told Q Radio it needs to get the children home as a precaution:

In Bangor, eyewitnesses say a cordon has been put in place on Quay Street because of concerns an oil tank could fall from the roof of the Royal Hotel.

Bill who's from the town spoke to Q Radio.

Useful emergency numbers if you need them during the amber weather warning for strong winds today https://t.co/7gpVaYIbXu #StormAli #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/pBE2V4DSFh

— nidirect (@nidirect) September 19, 2018

A weather warning for strong winds is in place until this evening so #StormAli may result in power cuts. If you lose power please report to @NIElectricity on 03457 643 643 or online: https://t.co/ZRmrD0QxYb #WeatherAware https://t.co/OlAVHKF0Wm

— Power NI (@PowerNI) September 19, 2018

All sailings between #Rathlin and #Ballycastle have been cancelled today due to #StormAli The ferry office will be open from 08.30 until 12.30 for any queries, you can contact us on 02820769299 ⛴🌊🌧 @BBCNITravel

— Rathlin Island Ferry (@RathlinFerry) September 19, 2018

A yellow weather warning covering the rest of Scotland, Yorkshire and northern parts of Wales warns of gusts of up to 60mph.

While southern parts of England and Wales could reach continued unseasonable highs of up to 24C, it will feel cooler due to the strong winds, meteorologist Mark Wilson said.

Even areas outside the official weather warnings are unlikely to escape wet and windy conditions, he added.

He said: "The strong winds are going to continue throughout the day into the evening. It's only really overnight the winds start to ease off and even then it stays pretty windy across Scotland so, a very windy spell throughout Wednesday into Wednesday night as well.

"It's going to be windy everywhere and there will be a band of rain that pushes its way across the UK as well."

Ali is first on the storm names list for 2018-19 announced by the Met Office and Met Eireann, which has run the Name Our Storms scheme for four years.

The season's names have been compiled from a list of submissions by the public, choosing some of the most popular names and also selecting those which reflect the nations, culture and diversity of the UK and Ireland.

The unsettled weather is due to last right through the week, Mr Wilson added, but an improvement is expected early next week as drier weather is set to take hold.