The latest outage map from NIE.
Up to 18,000 people are currently without power across the North as a result of Storm Ophelia, including many here in Fermanagh, while local schools have been advised to close for a second day tomorrow.
The storm is currently passing over the county, bringing with it high winds, and while some have joked about it being “just a bad day in Fermanagh”, those in more exposed areas of the county have been bearing the brunt of it.
So far at least three people in the South have lost their lives as a direct result of Ophelia, while in the North police have advised people to only travel if absolutely necessary.
Please do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have to travel drive carefully and be aware of road conditions. #Ophelia
— Fermanagh & Omagh (@PSNIFermOmagh) October 16, 2017
Earlier, the Department of Education released the following statement regarding school closures:
“The Department of Education has advised that all schools remain closed on Tuesday 17 October 2017.
“This latest advice follows a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group at which all central, local and public sector organisations are represented. The group has taken advice from the Met Office on the prolonged nature and potential severity of the storm and a decision was taken to advise schools to remain closed.”
Derek Baker, permanent secretary, said: “I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.”
Parents who have not received a notification from their child’s school should keep up to date on social media accounts.
For more information on current power outages, and advice from NIE, click here.
Update: 18,000 customers without power. Trees, branches and debris bringing down power lines and poles which need to be repaired #ophelia
— NIE Networks (@NIElectricity) October 16, 2017
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