Agencies ready to respond to Storm Chandra

Date published: 26 January 2026

A yellow weather warning for rain is in place from midday until midnight today, Monday 26 January. 

On Tuesday 27 January a yellow weather warning has been issued for rain and wind from 00:01 to 23:59 across all counties with an Amber wind warning in place from 5am – 9pm in counties Antrim, Down and Derry.

In preparation the Department for Infrastructure’s roads and rivers teams have been checking and clearing road gullies and other drainage infrastructure and have additional staff on standby to respond to incidents.

Monitoring of river levels and sea levels has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warning has elapsed. 

Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations.

The strong winds could lead to power cuts, damage to buildings, fallen trees, spray or large waves on exposed and vulnerable coastal areas, as well as disruption to travel including public transport, ferries and flights.

Due to the potential for large waves, flooding of coastal roads is also possible especially along the Co Down coast including along the Ards peninsula, Warrenpoint to Rostrevor and Newcastle to Kilkeel.  

Traffic disruption is possible so please plan ahead, stay up to date with the latest weather and travel advice. Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/heavy-rain-weather-warning-advice-and-information; and Storm Chandra strong winds and heavy rain: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-winds-and-heavy-rain-warning-information-and-advice.

It may be necessary to close some roads or put temporary restrictions in place.  Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights. Remember to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt and never drive through flood water.  Traffic information can be found at: TrafficWatchni.

You can report an obstruction at: Report an obstruction on a road or street | nidirect or call the 24-hour number on 0300 200 7899.

To report incidents of flooding, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency.

The power of water is often on show during a storm as waves crash against harbour walls, piers and cliffs. It looks spectacular but surges can easily sweep a person off their feet. All it takes is one wave to drag you out to sea – a dramatic photograph or selfie is not worth risking your life. If you are in trouble or see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.

NIE Networks is reminding the public to stay clear in the event of any damaged electricity equipment and report it immediately to the Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643.  Members of the public should never approach a broken pole or electricity line. 

Should customers experience a power cut they can check for updates at Powercheck NI (powercheck.nienetworks.co.uk) and report the fault online or call the NIE Networks Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643. 

Translink advises passengers to check its Journey Planner or Translink social media channels in advance of travel, and to allow extra time for their journeys.

In relation to education, there are no current plans to issue general school closure notices. School leaders have been asked to monitor and assess the weather warnings and conditions in their areas and to take local decisions if required.

School transport services will operate but may be subject to disruption due to high winds and the risk of flooding. Contingency plans are being finalised to avoid coastal roads where possible.

Parents should be aware of the potential for disruption to school transport tomorrow as, in some cases, they may have to make their own transport arrangements for their children.

The Department for Communities has confirmed that the Emergency Payment scheme for flooding is active. Householders who have suffered severe inconvenience from flooding can claim £1,000 payment through their local council.  Householders should contact their local council, or the Flood Incident Line on 0300 2000 100.

DAERA is strongly advising the public not to visit affected Forests, Country Parks and Nature Reserves or the Public Angling Estate in the affected areas until the high winds subside. There is an increased likelihood and risk associated with falling branches and debris. DAERA will endeavour to reinstate public access at any sites affected by the high winds as soon as possible. DAERA country parks and nature reserves within the Amber impact area will be closed to vehicle access as far as possible during this time, as will public facilities, including visitor centres, cafés and toilets.

Please check the website and social media of your local Council for updates in relation to their services.