Storm Éowyn forces cancellation of Newry Darts League fixtures
The Newry Darts League has called off all of its fixtures for this week in light of the red weather warning issued by the Met Office ahead of the arrival of Storm Éowyn.
The warning, which is in effect from 07:00 until 14:00 GMT on Friday, is the first time that a red warning has been issued for Northern Ireland since the Met Office moved to impact-based warnings in 2011.
The Met Office say that the warning “represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption”.
A spokesperson for the league said: “After monitoring the adverse red weather warning in place for Northern Ireland from 7am tomorrow until 2pm tomorrow afternoon and an amber warning from 23:59 tonight until 23:59 Friday night we, as a committee, believe the safety of all our members is paramount, so have therefore taken the difficult decision to postpone all darts fixtures to be played on January 24 without exception.
"We realise this may not be a popular decision to everyone but with so many players/teams in outlying areas and the risk of structural damage to buildings and loose debris we feel this is the only responsible response.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
The Met Office advises that people should expect:
- Flying debris resulting in danger to life
- Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes
- Very dangerous driving conditions with fallen trees on roads
- Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
- Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
It comes as all schools in Northern Ireland have been advised to close on Friday amid the warnings of "very dangerous conditions" and "widespread disruption".
The whole of the Republic of Ireland is also under a red warning, which was issued on Wednesday, with Met Éireann warning people of a “danger to life”.