THE MET Office has warned of a danger to life as Storm Dylan rages across Northern Ireland.
The UK weather authority has issued an amber weather warning for Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland on New Year's Eve.
The warning comes after Storm Dylan has moved from the Republic of Ireland into the North and towards Scotland.
Weather warnings were issued for 20 counties in Ireland as wind gusts up to 110km/h passed over Ireland, with the highest wind speeds recorded in Ireland at 124 km/h at Malin Head in Co Donegal.
Storm Dylan has now moved to the north of Ireland. Winds are generally easing, however they remain very strong & gusty in the north & northeast.
Orange and yellow wind warnings remain in effect until 9am.
The strongest recorded gust thus far was 124km/h at Malin Head.#StormDylan pic.twitter.com/PMEk6hcizQ— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 31, 2017
Some very strong winds are expected and there will probably be some damage to buildings such as tiles blown from roofs, with flying debris likely with the possibility of injuries or danger to life, they said.
As #StormDylan moves across the UK through Saturday night and Sunday, the strongest of the winds will be across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland with gusts up to 80 mph. Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/h1AExiz3AG
— Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2017
In coastal areas large waves are likely as well as beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and perhaps some properties.
The Met Office also warned of longer journey times and cancellations are likely on the road and trains.
Flights and ferry services may also be affected.
Some roads and bridges are likely to close, and there is also a good chance of power cuts and the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.
Looking ahead to the New Year period, Steve Ramsdale of the Met Office said: “The good news that Storm Dylan will move away from the UK during New Year's Eve and, in many places there is a good chance of dry weather for outdoor celebrations seeing in the New Year.
“New Year’s Day will feature wintry showers in the north and the unsettled weather looks likely to continue through the first week of January with further bouts of wet and windy weather. In particular some very strong and gusty winds, together with thundery downpours are likely on Wednesday and may cause some disruption.”
