Council service advisory on Storm Chandra

Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued a ervice advisory on Storm Chandra. 

A sopkesperson said: "Following the Met Office Amber weather warning advice ahead of Storm Chandra that anticipates very strong winds, leading to potential damage and disruption on Tuesday, January from 05:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs, Council is advising the public that the weather conditions could have an impact on some of its services.

"This warning is in addition to a yellow warning for wind and rain from 00:01 to 23:59 on Tuesday, January 27, which further highlights an increased likelihood of wind impacts in our Council area.

"Derry City and Strabane District Council is therefore encouraging businesses and householders to take all the necessary precautions to keep them and their property safe and to check the weather updates before travelling.

Refuse Collections

While our refuse collection services will be operating as normal, please expect some delays and be advised that there are some parts, particularly in rural areas, that may be difficult to access due to poor weather conditions. In the meantime, householders are advised to leave out their bins out as normal making sure they are placed in a secure location, and our teams will endeavour to service them when it is safe to do so.

Cemeteries

As a precautionary measure all Council owned Cemeteries will remain closed to the public on Tuesday, January 27, except for funerals. Cemeteries will be assessed and reopened when it is safe to do so.

Recycling Centres       

While all our recycling centres will be open to the public, users are advised to use the facilities with caution and to cooperate fully with staff.

Grass & 3G pitches and outdoor sports facilities

In the interests of health and safety all Council grass pitches and 3G pitches will be closed due to the poor weather conditions. In terms of our outdoor sports facilities and courts these will also be closed and subject to inspections before reopening. User groups of these facilities will be contacted directly.

Parks, play parks and greenways

All Council parks, greenways and play areas are closed to the public on Tuesday 27 January. The Council is also urging the public to avoid using open spaces and areas where there are trees. Inspections will be carried out before they are deemed safe to open, so please expect delays to reopening tomorrow.

Leisure Centres

Brooke Park Leisure Centre will be closed on Tuesday with its users advised to use facilities at Templemore Sports Complex.

The Top of the Hill Masterplan consultation event scheduled to take place on January 27th in The Chroi Centre on the Trench Road, is postponed with a new date to be arranged.

Council facilities

The Guildhall and the Tower Museum are open and operating as normal.

Community facilities

It’s Council’s understanding that most community facilities will remain open with some closing at an earlier time however, users are urged to check with them directly.

City of Derry Airport

Those using the City of Derry Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journey to and from the airport and to check online in terms of flight arrival and departure times via the live website link at - https://www.cityofderryairport.com/flight-information/live-flight-information/

Inspections before reopening

The Council has advised that routine inspections will be carried out on all Council facilities first thing on Wednesday morning prior to them reopening. The public are asked to be patient as it may take time for them to open, and they will only be opened when deemed safe to do so.

Further updates on all Council services will be provided on our social media channels."

Met Office advice

What to expect

• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected
• Some roads and bridges likely to close
• There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• Flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life
• Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties

What Should I do –

Driving in these conditions can be dangerous, for yourself and other road users. If you must drive, you can do this more safely by taking the following actions; drive slowly to minimise the impact of wind gusts, be aware of high sided vehicles/caravans on more exposed roads and be cautious when overtaking, and give cyclists, motorcyclists, lorries, and buses more room than usual.

Being outside in high winds makes you more vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you do go out, try not to walk, or shelter, close to buildings and trees. In advance of high winds, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

For more info -

Advice - Met Office

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency services 999 or 112
• Flooding Incident Line  0300 2000 100
• NI Electricity Networks 03457 643 643
• NI Gas Emergency service 0800 002 001
• NI Water 03457 440 088
• Housing Executive 03448 920 901