District under cover from Storm Jocelyn after Isha wreaks havoc

District under cover from Storm Jocelyn after Isha wreaks havoc

24 January 2024

DOWN District was bracing itself for a second battering last night after being hit by Storm Isha at the weekend.

The Met Office warned of further potential disruption as Storm Jocelyn struck yesterday afternoon.

While Jocelyn was not expected to be as severe as Isha, the Met Office warned of gusts of up to 65mph. 

Northern Ireland Electricity has confirmed that approximately 1,100 customers throughout the district were left without power after Isha struck on Sunday night.

A number of roads were blocked owing to fallen trees.

Some residents are still waiting for their power to be restored.

One Ballynahinch resident said on social media: “We have had no power since 10pm last night and we can only get an automated answer service when we phone.”

Another resident said she was told by an enquiry line that it may take up to five days to restore power in the BT26 area.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Electricity said: “NIE will be continuing to do all that we can to restore electricity supplies to our customers as quickly and safely as we can.

“The restoration has been challenging, the weather conditions on Sunday night along with blocked access routes from fallen trees and debris have meant at times that our teams have been hampered in their efforts.

“We’re continuing to prioritise calls and work as quickly as we can but the scale of the impact is something not seen in the last decade.”

The spokesperson continued: “We do anticipate that this could take a number of days before we would have everyone restored as we’re also conscious that Storm Jocelyn will hamper restoration efforts and potentially cause more damage.”

NIE has urged their customers to report any incidents of damage to the electricity network on the NIE networks customer helpline on 03457 643 643.

There were road closures in the Carryduff, Saintfield, Killinchy, Killyleagh, Ballynahinch, Newcastle, Castlewellan and Downpatrick areas.

A DFI spokesperson said: “Hazardous conditions on Sunday night hampered efforts to clear roads, so road users should be aware there is a high risk of fallen trees, branches or other debris on the road.

“We are currently prioritising resources to clear main roads and arterial routes where it is safe to do so.

“Due to the high volume of roads impacted it will take some time to clear all obstructions.”

The spokesperson added: “Ongoing industrial action may disrupt the Department’s response to the clear-up operation. However, we will endeavour to clear roads as quickly as possible.”