LATEST: Gales batter north coast again

More than 5,000 electricity customers across Northern Ireland have been cut off due to damage caused to the power network by severe gales of around 70 mph.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Jan 2015, 13:45 BST
A tree blocks the road at Bann Road, Ballymoney. Picture tweeted by Colin Hamilton.A tree blocks the road at Bann Road, Ballymoney. Picture tweeted by Colin Hamilton.
A tree blocks the road at Bann Road, Ballymoney. Picture tweeted by Colin Hamilton.

Co Tyrone and Armagh are the worst affected areas.

Electricity lines have been broken and damage to poles and other power equipment caused by flying debris and the high winds.

Motorists on the north coast have been warned about falling trees and debris caused by the high winds.

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NIE’s Local Incident Centres are open and emergency crews and engineers are responding to faults.

Julie Carson, NIE’s communications manager advised people to stay well away from any broken poles or downed lines and to report any damaged equipment to them immediately.

She added: “We put safety at the heart of our restoration work and we want everyone to take care in these conditions.

“Report any visible damage to the electricity network to NIE immediately and under no circumstances should you approach any downed powerlines or broken poles.”

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Customers can contact the NIE Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643 or report the fault online at nie.co.uk or follow NIe on Twitter @NIElectricity for regular updates.

Meanwhile Translink say that NIR speed restrictions have been put in place for train services and that delays are expected.

Related topics:Northern IrelandMotoristsArmagh