STORM ÉOWYN: Primary school roof damaged and high voltage cables fall on roads in County Derry

Storm Éowyn has already caused extensive damage across County Derry.

A number of fallen trees are blocking roads and hundreds of homes are without power this morning as Storm Éowyn continues to batter parts of the UK.

In Burnfoot, the strong winds has caused part of the roof of Drumrane Primary School to come away.

Trees have also come down on the Glenshane Road, close to Dungiven and Maghera.

Motorists are advised of high voltage cables which are lying across Moydamlaght Road and on Mid Bancran, near Draperstown.

The PSNI are continuing to advise people to stay at home this morning as a red weather warning remains in place until 2pm.

An amber weather warning for wind is also in place between 6am and 9pm.

“Strong winds associated with storm Éowyn are expected to cause very dangerous conditions. Flying debris may cause injuries or danger to life. Widespread impacts and delays are expected. Please stay at home where possible and do not make unnecessary journeys. If you must travel, please keep the prevailing conditions in mind. Motorists should be advised of longer travel times for journeys. Consider the potential risks before you leave. Do not place yourself or others in unnecessary danger. We are coordinating with other emergency services and statutory agencies and we are ready to respond to emergency calls. Phone 999 for emergency services in an emergency,” said a PSNI spokesperson.

Meanwhile, NIE Networks have activated their emergency plans in response to Storm Eowyn.
Currently over 93,000 homes and businesses in Northern Ireland are off power. However, restoration efforts will take significant time as crews cannot begin to work until it is safe to do so.

A spokesperson for NIE Networks said: “We anticipate we will begin assessing the damage to the network after 2pm once the red weather warning has been lifted.   

“We strongly advise customers, particularly anyone vulnerable, to shelter where you are until the red weather warning is lifted. Once the severe weather warnings are lifted, if your power is out, consider joining friends and relatives who have power.”