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Everything you need to know as Storm Chandra set to hit Northern Ireland
Need to know
The Met Office warned that the storm will bring a “danger to life”
The Storm is expected to cause disruption across Northern Ireland(Image: Presseye/Stephen Hamilton)
Everything you need to know:
- The Met Office has issued a high-level amber weather warning for counties Antrim, Derry, and Down. This alert specifically targets the severe wind risks expected between 5am and 9pm this Tuesday.
- As the fifth named storm of the 2025/26 season, Chandra is currently moving across the Atlantic toward the UK. Heavy rain and intense winds are expected to make landfall early Tuesday morning and persist throughout the day.
- Wind gusts are projected to reach between 60mph and 70mph across northern and eastern regions, with some coastal spots hitting 75mph. While winds may dip slightly in the early afternoon, they are expected to ramp back up to peak speeds by the evening.
- Much of the region will see up to 30mm of rain, though high ground in the east could be hit with as much as 70mm. Because the ground is already saturated, there is a significant risk of localised flooding as the rain moves through.
- Expect major travel headaches as roads and bridges may be forced to close due to the conditions. Rail, air, and ferry services are likely to face cancellations or significant delays throughout the warning period.
- The Met Office has warned that power cuts are a distinct possibility as the storm moves inland. These outages could also disrupt essential secondary services, such as mobile phone coverage and internet access.
- High winds are likely to cause structural damage, such as blowing tiles off roofs and creating dangerous flying debris. The public is urged to be cautious, as these conditions present a genuine risk of injury or danger to life.
- Large waves are expected to batter eastern coastal areas, potentially throwing beach material and debris onto seafronts and properties. Residents in these areas should stay away from the shoreline to avoid being swept away or injured by the surf.
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