Businesses around Northern Ireland are preparing for tomorrow’s Red Alert Storm Éowyn. An increasing number are instructing staff to work from home for the day.
The First and Deputy First Ministers have held an emergency press conference at Stormont, describing the incoming storm as an ‘evolving situation’. In a first for Northern Ireland, an emergency alert will be sent to mobile phones later this afternoon.
Meanwhile, all schools have been instructed to close by the Department of Education.
Lidl has become the first retailer to announce that its Northern Ireland stores will remain closed during the period of the red weather warning.
Both Queen’s University and Ulster University have announced the closure of all of their campuses, while Titanic Belfast will also be closed to visitors. The annual Women In Business Chair’s Lunch, due to have been held at the venue tomorrow, has been postponed for a week.
With flight delays and cancellations now inevitable, Belfast International Airport has issued a statement to passengers.
“We are actively monitoring the forecast weather conditions alongside our partners and government agencies and anticipating that the weather alert issued will result in flights being impacted tomorrow.
“To those intending to travel, we would ask that you check with the airlines and keep reviewing our website for the most up to date information about departures and arrivals. Any cancellations or delays will be a decision for the airlines.
“The airport, the airlines and their handling agents are all increasing their staffing; however, it is also possible that flights may need to be redirected to us from other airports for safety reasons, which will also stretch resources.
“If you are travelling, please allow extra time for your journey to the airport and follow the advice of NI Direct and the PSNI.”
“The airlines, their handling agents and we will be doing all we can to ensure the safety of all passengers, however, we would ask for your patience and understanding as we do so.”
Belfast City Airport has also said that there may be disruption to flights tomorrow. Once again, passengers are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline.
Stena Line has yet to issue any details of disruption to services on its Belfast-Cairnryan and Belfast-Liverpool services. The same applies to P&O Ferries, which operates the Larne-Cairnryan route.