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Weather warnings in place for NI over weekend

Getty Images Large waves crashing over the promenade at Donaghadee. Colourful terraced buildings are along the seaside.Getty Images
Large waves and spray could affect coastal communities

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.

Weather warnings for strong winds are in place, with gusts between 50-60mph (80-95km/h) expected on Saturday.

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

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.

In Belfast, the inner lane of the Knock Road in the direction of the Upper Newtownards Road has been partially blocked following a fallen tree on Saturday morning.

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Coastal and hilly areas

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.

P&O Ferries announced on X that several sailings between Larne and Cairnryan on Sunday had been cancelled.

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Republic of Ireland

PA Media Dark storm clouds over Dublin. Someone wearing a winter coat with their hood up clutches their umbrella.PA Media
Irish weather service Met Éireann is warning of difficult driving conditions, large coastal waves, and fallen trees

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.