Elderly couple rescued as storm Barra hits Donaghadee

By Q Radio News

An elderly couple have been rescued by firefighters after they became trapped in a property in Donaghadee following a storm surge.

It happened at Marine Drive in the County Down resort.

At its height Storm Barra battered Northern Ireland earlier and left 5500 customers without power.

Donaghadee this afternoon at the height of the storm surge.

As of 2pm there were 4,000 homes and businesses without power.

Earlier NIE said approximately 5,500 customers were without power in Downpatrick, Ards, Newry, Coleraine, Dungannon and Craigavon while in the Republic there are more than 50,000 premises without power.

NIE said extra staff have been brought in and that customers can report a power outage online at nienetworks.co.uk or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.

You can report a fallen tree or debris on the road here

LATEST: Huge waves breach the sea wall in Carrickfergus this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/ReQf3vzclJ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 7, 2021

Fallen trees and flooding are causing difficulties for motorists in Counties Antrim, Tyrone and Down and there is disruption to ferry, bus and rail services.

A yellow weather warning remains in place across Northern Ireland.

Red Bay pier in County Antrim pounded by Storm Barra. pic.twitter.com/f2hNUCcxsX

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 7, 2021

(Storm Barra batters the north coast. Picture by Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia)

Translink says an obstruction on the rail line between Ballymoney and Coleraine has forced its closure.

Flooding between Lanyon Place and Antrim has closed the line while obstructions between Lanyon Place and Carrickfergus and on the Bangor and Portadown line are causing disruptions. 

Ferry services between Belfast and Cairnryan have been cancelled and the Strangford Lough service and Rathlin Island ferries have been suspended.

The Belfast Christmas market has also been closed this afternoon.

Several National Trust properties, including the Carrick a Rede bridge in north Antrim as well as Mount Stewart house and Castle Ward in Co Down, were closed today.

Storm Barra lashes Ballycastle on the north Antrim coast. pic.twitter.com/hyPDZt6vch

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 7, 2021

#TRAIN #StormBarra ❗ Due to an obstruction on the line between Lanyon Place and Carrickfergus the line is closed. ℹ️ Disruption is expected until further notice and
buses have been requested

— Translink (@Translink_NI) December 7, 2021

Roads starting to close on Rathlin #StormBarra pic.twitter.com/bkVcBJNlPm

— Michael Cecil OBE (@RathlinIsland) December 7, 2021

In the Republic more than 50,000 homes and businesses are without power and several counties have a red warning in place.

Good morning!

We are presently dealing with a volume of calls in regards to fallen tree's etc. Covering the Newry, Mourne and Down area.

Please only travel during the current climate when absolutely necessary.

We ask for your patience as we manage all calls for service.

— Police Newry, Mourne and Down (@PSNINMDown) December 7, 2021

(Flooding in Bantry, Co Cork. Picture by PA)

If you have to go out on the roads today, please take extra care and be vigilant.
High winds and rain can make driving conditions difficult so please reduce your speed as necessary and remain well behind the vehicle in front. pic.twitter.com/K86G7A2Qh3

— NI Road Policing and Safety (@NIRoadPolicing) December 7, 2021