By Joe McCann
STORM Chandra caused widespread disruption across Ards and North Down on Tuesday forcing school closures, damaging infrastructure and leading to the shutdown of public facilities as heavy rain and severe winds bombarded the area.
The majority of schools in Ards and North Down closed for the day amid concerns over flooding and fallen trees blocking roads.
Warnings for heavy rain, flooding and strong winds remained in place across Co. Down into Tuesday night. A yellow rainfall warning had been in effect, alongside an amber wind warning. Numerous properties throughout the Ards and North Down area reported power outages according to NIE.
NIE said around 10,000 properties across the wider region were without power at the height of the storm, with Co. Down among the affected areas. Council services were heavily impacted. Bangor Castle Walled Garden remained closed and members of the public were advised to avoid local parks, outdoor spaces and coastal areas. All public toilets and household recycling centres were closed.
Power outages led directly to the closure of Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, while Comber Leisure Centre was also closed and the council also closed all public buildings and toilets. The council cancelled all bin collections although some did go ahead before the worst of the weather began.
Public transport was disrupted, with Translink stating delays and cancellations took place affecting the bus and rail network.
Road conditions deteriorated in several areas, with flooding and debris reported on multiple routes.
The Portaferry Road in Newtownards was closed due to flooding, with an impassable section at the junction with Finlay’s Road.
Flooding was also reported at Linear Park in Bangor, while trees were brought down at Clandeboye Golf Club as a result of the strong winds.
Severe gusts of up to 80mph were recorded along the Ards peninsula, while Orlock Head, near Groomsport, was among the locations hit by the strongest winds.
On the peninsula, coastal towns and villages were battered from both the wind and the sea with enormous waves seen hitting Donaghadee and other villages and the Strangford Ferry ceased operations.
SDLP councillor Joe Boyle assisted community efforts to clear debris on the Cloughey Road near Portaferry Sports Centre and St Columba’s College.
He said: “I would ask that you slow down on approaching this location as there are cables tangled with trees that have either broken branches or actually fallen trees, of which has been reported to NIE, who will attend accordingly.”
