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All Northern Ireland schools to close after storm warning

Amber wind warning issued for Northern Ireland

All schools in Northern Ireland are to close on Monday due to risks posed by gusts resulting from Hurricane Ophelia.

The announcement was made by Stormont officials late on Sunday night after severe weather warnings were issued for Northern Ireland.

The Met Office is forecasting winds of up to 65mph (105km/h) across the region on Monday.

The Department of Education said its decision on school closures was "entirely precautionary".

"However, given the weather warnings and the fact that the most severe weather is forecast for when pupils are due to be leaving school, the department believes that this is an appropriate response," it added.

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Ulster University announced that its four campuses will be shut for the day, while some colleges announced that they would be cancelling all classes.

Hurricane Ophelia will be a storm when it hits Ireland and the UK as it weakens on its path across the Atlantic Ocean.

But it could still cause major damage, according to weather forecasters.

Forecast path for Hurricane Ophelia

The Met Office said that a spell of "very windy weather" on Monday afternoon and evening has the "potential for injuries and danger to life".

Issuing an amber warning - its second most severe - it said there is a good chance that some areas could suffer power cuts.

All parts of Northern Ireland are expected to be hit by winds of up to 65mph (105km/h) but gusts could reach speeds of 80mph (129km/h) in the far south-east.

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Public transport operator Translink said its services could be disrupted by the weather on Monday - it will issue updates from 07:00.

Some flights from Belfast City Airport have been cancelled due to the strong winds.

All Aer Lingus departures from the airport on Monday have been grounded, and other airlines are affected.

Senior civil servants in Northern Ireland met on Sunday night to discuss "a co-ordinated approach in light of the latest Met Office assessment".

The Department of Education came in for criticism from parents on social media for the timing of its announcement on school closure.

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SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said the decision should have been made earlier on Sunday, adding that parents with work or other commitments would struggle to arrange childcare.

"Principals and teachers will also be under huge strain to communicate with parents and staff about the closure," he said.

"However, the priority is to ensure that all children are kept safe."

Schools and colleges in the Republic of Ireland are also to close on Monday after a red warning - the most severe - was issued across the country.

The Irish national weather agency Met Éireann is forecasting "violent and disruptive gusts" and is warning that "all areas are at risk".