Storm Éowyn: ‘Majority’ of schools to open on Monday as water tankered to parts of NI and 74,000 still without power

Government pledges to assist with NI clean-up effortsEngineers sent from England to aid repairs after 'devastating' damage to power networkOver 100 schools suffered damage in stormReport of generator-related death in Portrush, while past pupil of Tyrone school killed by falling tree in Donegal

Only a small number will be closed due to damage and the majority of those are hoping to reopen on Tuesday.

"Work has continued today to support schools impacted by Storm ?owyn to reopen as soon as possible," Mr Givan said, in a statement issued on Sunday night.

"The Education Authority's Maintenance Helpline has been operational throughout the weekend. It received 154 reports of damage to school buildings, ranging in severity from missing roof tiles, fallen trees and serious structural damage.

"The safety of children and staff is paramount. Maintenance teams have been out on the ground today undertaking essential repairs and assessing whether it is safe to reopen.

"The latest information indicates that only a small number of schools will be closed on Monday due to damage caused by the storm and the majority of these we hope will be able to open on Tuesday.

The Education Authority has been engaging with principals and are working to put contingency arrangements in place."

As the situation is evolving, decisions are being taken by schools at a local level. I would therefore ask parents to stay in close contact with their school, as they will be communicating the latest position and advice via their usual channels.

NIE Networks has confirmed that approximately 74,000 customers remain without electricity on Sunday evening following Storm ?owyn.

It comes as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has promised every possible support from the UK Government to the effort to repair damage done by Storm ?owyn.

A massive clean-up operation and battle to restore power and water to homes across Northern Ireland is continuing, amid hopes weather conditions will ease on Sunday evening.

A yellow alert for strong winds expired at 7pm and, at this stage, there are no further weather warnings for the region in the days ahead.

Northern Ireland has been buffeted since Friday by winds in excess of 100mph, with the previous red alert unprecedented.

A large fallen tree in Dromore, Co Down.

Watch: NI Electricity helicopter footage show extensive damage to electricity in the Fivemiletown area

"Despite the challenging weather conditions, NIE Networks have over 1,000 staff escalated, with c211,000 customers already having their power restored," a statement said.

"Our Incident Management Centre at Craigavon remains open, as well as our Local Incident Centres, which are in locations across Northern Ireland and used by our teams to co-ordinate our localised response.

"We are particularly keen to remind the public to maintain safety around any damaged electricity equipment and never approach a broken pole or overhead power lines, and keep children and animals away. Please report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643."

Meanwhile, NI Water says it is facing significant challenges, including the loss of electrical power at pumping stations, damage to equipment, and loss of remote connectivity to sites.

The supplier says teams have been working round the clock to restore water to homes.

"Our priority is the restoration of water supplies for all customers and we will continue to carry out repairs and deploy generators until all assets are operational," a statement said.

"We've also been tankering water into some locations in Co Tyrone to restore supplies.

Bottled Water is available for customers to collect at Omagh Leisure Centre, Enniskillen Lakeland Forum, and Dungiven Sports Centre.

"Thank you for your understanding and please be assured we are doing everything possible to restore water supplies as quickly as possible."

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly visited NIE Networks in Craigavon to hear about the efforts being made to restore power to homes and businesses. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

While Sunday has not seen winds reach the same peaks, gusts of up to 60mph were forecast.

The NI Secretary said ministers from a number of UK Government departments, led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, were working to assist NI Executive ministers.

It comes after he joined a call on Saturday afternoon between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

The PM paid tribute to the efforts of all those involved in the response to the storm and their tireless work in keeping people safe.

Speaking on Sunday afternoon, Mr Benn said the scale of the damage was "deeply concerning" and also expressed his gratitude to those working on the relief effort.

"I am pleased that under mutual aid arrangements, specialist engineers from England are already in Northern Ireland to assist with the urgent effort to restore power to communities and more are on their way," Mr Benn said.

"We are also examining how we can assist with other requests made by the Executive and Northern Ireland Electricity for equipment and personnel.

"I will continue to work closely with Cabinet colleagues and Northern Ireland Executive ministers in the days ahead to make sure we are doing all that we can to support those affected."

The storm also brought tragedy, with a young man killed in Co Donegal [1].

Kacper Dudek (20), died after a tree fell on his car in Raphoe. He was a past pupil of Holy Cross College in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

There has also been a death in Portrush, which the Belfast Telegraph understands is being linked to possible fumes from a generator.

Police have issued a warning about the use of such equipment in the wake of Storm ?owyn.

Read our live blog with all the latest weather coverage here: Key updates

School closures update for Monday

Report of generator-related death in NI

74,000 still without power

NI Water tankering supplies into parts of NI

NI school pays tribute to past pupil killed in Donegal

Recording breaking gusts of 102mph recorded in NI

Victoria Steveley

School closures update for Monday

The majority of schools across Northern Ireland will be open on Monday, despite the impact of Storm ?owyn, Education Minister Paul Givan has said.

Only a small number will be closed due to damage and the majority of those are hoping to reopen on Tuesday. "Work has continued today to support schools impacted by Storm ?owyn to reopen as soon as possible," Mr Givan said, in a statement issued on Sunday night. "The Education Authority's Maintenance Helpline has been operational throughout the weekend.

It received 154 reports of damage to school buildings, ranging in severity from missing roof tiles, fallen trees and serious structural damage. "The safety of children and staff is paramount. Maintenance teams have been out on the ground today undertaking essential repairs and assessing whether it is safe to reopen.

"The latest information indicates that only a small number of schools will be closed on Monday due to damage caused by the storm and the majority of these we hope will be able to open on Tuesday. The Education Authority has been engaging with principals and are working to put contingency arrangements in place." Turning to the impact of the damage to the electricity network, the Education Minister continued: "Unfortunately there has been extensive damage to the electricity network across Northern Ireland.

Currently, NIE Networks estimate that there are approximately 80 schools without power, however this number is continually fluctuating. "We are working closely with NIE and they have confirmed that they will, where possible, prioritise schools that currently have no power. "As the situation is evolving, decisions are being taken by schools at a local level.

I would therefore ask parents to stay in close contact with their school, as they will be communicating the latest position and advice via their usual channels." An online information session was held for schools on Sunday evening to provide an update on the current situation and over 280 principals attended. Mr Givan continued: "This has been a challenging weekend for school leaders and I want to place on record my thanks for their considerable efforts, as we work together to ensure schools reopen as quickly as possible

"It is important that wherever possible, when a school is closed, children engage in remote learning to minimise disruption to their education. Schools have been asked to make every effort to deploy remote learning. If families do not have online access, children can complete any outstanding homework, coursework or work that was sent home last week.

"Schools will understand if children are unable to complete work that is set online if pupils do not have electricity or internet access. We also understand it is very disruptive for families and for children to be off school and many parents will need to work and will be relying on the support of family or friends." The Education Authority's Transport Service plans to operate as normal on Monday.

However, there may be some disruption or delays to routes as a result of damage to infrastructure. If you have any queries you should contact the Transport Helpline on Tel: 028 9598 5959 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 4.30pm). There may also be some impact to school meals in a number of schools as a result of power outages from Friday.

Schools will inform parents/carers directly of any alternative arrangements. Victoria Steveley

Report of generator-related death in NI

The Belfast Telegraph understands that a death in Portrush is being linked to possible fumes from a generator. Victoria Steveley

A1 closed for NIE repairs

The A1 in Hillsborough has been closed in both directions at Applegreen Dromore to allow NIE to repair damaged cables - local diversions are in place please, drivers should allow more time for their journey.

Victoria Steveley

74,000 still without power

NIE Networks has confirmed that approximately 74,000 customers remain without electricity on Sunday evening following Storm ?owyn.

"Despite the challenging weather conditions, NIE Networks have over 1,000 staff escalated, with c211,000 customers already having their power restored," a statement said. "Our Incident Management Centre at Craigavon remains open, as well as our Local Incident Centres, which are in locations across Northern Ireland and used by our teams to co-ordinate our localised response. "We are particularly keen to remind the public to maintain safety around any damaged electricity equipment and never approach a broken pole or overhead power lines, and keep children and animals away.

Please report any damage to NIE Networks immediately on 03457 643 643." NIE Networks is also reminding customers of the cautionary measures they can take in the event of a power cut:

turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost
leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored
take extra care if using candles
test smoke alarms with fresh batteries
ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters - using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause CO levels high enough to result in CO poisoning
if using a generator, please follow the manufacturer's instructions

Customers who have lost supply should first find out if their neighbours are also without power and check household fuses and trip switches before contacting NIE Networks.

"This a difficult time for those most vulnerable members of our communities, and we would ask everyone to continue to help by keeping a close eye on neighbours and supporting them in whatever way you can," NIE said. "We would remind customers that they can report faults online, and also check for status updates at www.nienetworks.co.uk [2], or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643."

Victoria Steveley

Department for Infrastructure says 'majority of roads' now cleared

The main strategic road network across NI and the majority of other roads have been cleared and are open, the Department of Infrastructure has said.

A statement on Sunday evening said: "Multi-agency partners are continuing to deal with the aftermath of Storm ?owyn which caused widespread damage and disruption to critical infrastructure across the north. "This a difficult time for those most vulnerable members of our communities and we would ask everyone to continue to help by keeping a close eye on neighbours and supporting them in whatever way you can. "The main strategic road network and the majority of other roads have been cleared and are open.

The Department for Infrastructure will continue to respond to get remaining roads opened as quickly as possible. "Road users should pay heed to 'road closed' signs as these warnings are intended to keep the travelling public safe while road clearance work is underway." The Department has signposted information on local council websites and on NI Direct [3] around drop-in centres that are open across NI.

Victoria Steveley

NI Secretary of State promises 'every possible support'

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn has promised every possible support from the UK Government to the effort to repair damage done by Storm ?owyn.

Mr Benn said ministers from a number of UK Government departments, led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, were working to assist NI Executive ministers. It comes after he joined a call on Saturday afternoon between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The PM paid tribute to the efforts of all those involved in the response to the storm and their tireless work in keeping people safe.

Speaking on Sunday afternoon, the Secretary of State said the scale of the damage was "deeply concerning" and also expressed his gratitude to those working on the relief effort. "I am pleased that under mutual aid arrangements, specialist engineers from England are already in Northern Ireland to assist with the urgent effort to restore power to communities and more are on their way," Mr Benn said. "We are also examining how we can assist with other requests made by the Executive and Northern Ireland Electricity for equipment and personnel.

"I will continue to work closely with Cabinet colleagues and Northern Ireland Executive ministers in the days ahead to make sure we are doing all that we can to support those affected." Victoria Steveley

NI Water tankering supplies into parts of NI

Parts of Northern Ireland remain without water as efforts to restore supplies affected by Storm ?owyn continue.

NI Water says it has been facing significant issues including the loss of electrical power at pumping stations, damage to equipment, and loss of remote connectivity to sites. The supplier says teams have been working round the clock to restore water to homes.

"Our priority is the restoration of water supplies for all customers and we will continue to carry out repairs and deploy generators until all assets are operational," a statement said. "We've also been tankering water into some locations in Co Tyrone to restore supplies. Bottled Water is available for customers to collect at Omagh Leisure Centre, Enniskillen Lakeland Forum, and Dungiven Sports Centre.

"Thank you for your understanding and please be assured we are doing everything possible to restore water supplies as quickly as possible." Victoria Steveley

Safety warning and advice over generators and heating appliances

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland is urging people to take care when using equipment such as portable generators and heating appliances during powercuts, as thousands remain without electricity due to Storm ?owyn.

Experts warn that using such items indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels to rise dangerously high, resulting in CO poisoning. "Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home," they say. "Where any fuel burning equipment is used indoors there must be good ventilation and in conjunction with carbon monoxide alarm.

Always follow the manufacturers guidance." Symptoms of CO poisoning can feel like other day-to-day illnesses, and include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness. If affected, you should:

open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
go to your GP or nearest A&E department
if its urgent, call 999 for an ambulance; and
call the relevant emergency advice line: Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001, Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080

Victoria Steveley

Newry road closure due to overhanging tree

The Belfast Road in Newry is currently closed in both directions, between the junctions with Damolly Road and the Mourne Country roundabout, due to an overhanging tree.

Local diversions are in place. Sarah Harford

NI Electricity helicopter footage show extensive damage

Sarah Harford

75,000 still without power

Approximately 75,000 customers remain without electricity with power, NIE Networks has said. Power has been restored to 210,000 properties following the devastation caused to the electricity network by Storm ?owyn. NIE Networks added that over 1,000 members of staff have been escalated, including 700 staff in the field, to restore supplies to customers as quickly as possible.

Sarah Harford

Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly visit NIE Networks

Yellow wind warning in place

A yellow weather warning for wind is now in force across Northern Ireland until 7pm.

The Met Office is warning that strong winds could disrupt transport and infrastructure, with delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport likely. It adds that some coastal areas may be affected by spray or large waves, and some short term loss of power and other services is possible.

Sarah Harford

101,000 still without electricity

In the latest update from NIE Networks this morning, it said approximately 101,000 customers remain without electricity with power now restored to 183,000 properties following the devastation caused by Storm Eowyn.

Derek Hynes, managing director of NIE Networks said "restoration efforts are well underway".

"We are still visiting locations where damage has been caused and are working on the faults that will get power back to the highest possible numbers of homes and businesses," he added. Adrian Rutherford

Starmer pledges support

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with the First Minister and deputy First Minister and pledged to support storm recovery efforts in NI. Adrian Rutherford

Government 'ready to support NI'

A government Cobra meeting has been held in response to Storm ?owyn.It was chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden along with the deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor, the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland and Scotland, ministers from across government, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and the First Minister of Scotland.A government spokesperson said: "Ministers discussed the ongoing response to Storm ?owyn, particularly the urgent work underway to reconnect homes which have lost power.

To support recovery, engineers have been dispatched to Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Ministers thanked all front-line workers for their efforts to keep communities safe."We continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to provide further support, working closely with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive." Adrian Rutherford

Road closed

Police have said the Upper Malone Road in south Belfast is closed due to a fallen tree and power lines near the junction with Dunmurry Lane. The road is expected to be closed for some time.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes for their journeys. Victoria Steveley

Electricity workers from across Europe on way

NIE has deployed 700 technicians to begin restoring the network and will welcome hundreds more from across the continent as efforts continue in the coming days. Victoria Steveley

Homeless man avoids jail over storm shelter break-in

Police said they had genuine sympathy for the man who didn't have anywhere to go during the extreme weather.

Adrian Rutherford

Givan: Some schools may revert to remote learning

Education Minister Paul Givan said over 100 schools have reported damage to their property ranging from minor damage to fences, missing roof tiles to more significant structural damage.

More than 100 schools are also still without power. It could mean some are unable to open fully on Monday. "While every effort continues to be made over this weekend to ensure that impacted schools can reopen as soon as practicably possible, it is likely that some schools may need to move to remote learning on Monday," Mr Givan said.

EA's School Transport Service plans to operate as normal on Monday, however there may be some disruption or delays to routes as a result of damage to roads Speaking directly to school principals, Mr Givan continued: "I would ask schools to report critical repairs over this weekend through EA's Maintenance Service's Out of Hours Helpline on 028 3751 2345. NIE have also strongly advised not to approach any electricity equipment and to be extra careful around fallen trees and when assessing damage.

"If a decision has been taken to close your school building due to the impact of the storm, please continue to provide learning from home for the children and young people who are unable to attend school on Monday."

A large fallen tree in Dromore, Co Down.

Storm Eowyn arrives in Northern Ireland

References

^ young man killed in Co Donegal (www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
^ www.nienetworks.co.uk (eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)
^ information on local council websites and on NI Direct (www.nidirect.gov.uk)