Weather causing disruption to NI ferry services

Travel disruption in Northern Ireland is possible over the weekend before Christmas with the Met Office warning of likely delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport.

A number of ferries have been cancelled on Saturday and Sunday.

Weather warnings for strong winds are in place, with Saturday bringing gusts between 50-60mph (80-95km/h) while there is a separate warning in place for Sunday.

Coastal and high ground areas are expected to experience stronger gusts.

Winds of 58.8mph were recorded at Orlock Head in County Down and Magilligan in County Londonderry.

Wintry showers on Saturday night and through Sunday are also likely to bring snow, especially over hills and mountains, affecting some communities and higher transport routes. The yellow alert lasts from 07:00 GMT until midnight.

Large waves and spray could affect coastal communities with possible power outages for parts of Northern Ireland.

Given that it is the last shopping weekend before Christmas, increased travel volume could increase disruption.

Strong winds will persist on Sunday with a second yellow warning lasting from midnight on Saturday until 21:00 on Sunday.

Gusts between 50-60mph can again be expected across much of Northern Ireland with gusts about 70mph for coastal and hilly areas.

Squally showers with hail and thunder are also possible through the day.

Together, these could result in similar disruption expected on Saturday to travel, coastal areas, and infrastructure.

In a statement, P&O Ferries said that due to adverse weather conditions, all its sailings between Larne and Cairnryan have been cancelled from 20:00 GMT on Saturday to 20:00 on Sunday.

"We ask our customers please not to travel to either of the ports if their sailing has been cancelled, to avoid causing traffic congestion," it said.

All remaining P&O sailings are fully booked. Customers can contact the company to cancel or amend their booking.

"We apologise for the inconvenience."

Stena Line have also said disruption is expected with sailings between Belfast and Cairnryan cancelled late on Saturday and into Sunday.

In Belfast, the inner lane of the Knock Road in the direction of the Upper Newtownards Road had been partially blocked following a fallen tree which has since been cleared.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has advised the public to not visit forests, country parks and nature reserves in affected areas until the high winds subside.

In the Republic of Ireland, a two-day yellow warning has been issued for eight counties.

The alert for Counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo lasts from 03:00 local time on Saturday until 14:00 on Sunday.

A separate alert for Clare, Kerry, Limerick last from 15:00 on Saturday until 15:00 on Sunday.

Irish weather service Met Éireann is warning of difficult driving conditions, large coastal waves, and fallen trees.

A Status Yellow snow and ice warning is also in place for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim and Louth from 22:00 local time on Saturday to 09:00 on Sunday.

Wintry showers of hail, sleet & snow are expected to bring poor visibility and ice patches making it difficult to travel.