Strong winds expected as Storm Hector sweeps Northern Ireland

Q Radio News

Forecasters have upgraded weather warnings ahead of Storm Hector, which could bring gusts in excess of 70mph to parts of the UK.

Much of Britain is covered by a yellow warning, but the north and west of Northern Ireland - which will see the first winds hit in the early hours of Thursday - is now subject to a more serious amber warning.

The Met Office said injuries and a danger to life is "likely" in coastal areas in Northern Ireland, with the chance of large waves and potential for beach debris to end up on roads, sea fronts and properties.

People have been advised to take care during rush hour with potential disruption due to fallen trees and the possibility that outdoor summer furniture will have been blown around overnight.

NIE say at the height of the storm 23,000 properties were without power. 

Around 5,000 still need repairs, with the worst effected areas in Craigavon, Omagh, Newry and Campsie outside Derry Londonderry.  

Such stormy weather is "quite unusual for this time of year" forecaster Luke Miall said.

"The worst of the weather is going to be in the morning rush hour for most people," he said.

"The storm is likely to clear to the north east around lunchtime or just after 1pm."