Storm Chandra: Lisburn road closed as motorists advised to exercise caution due to an Amber weather warning

The news comes as road users are advised the Hillhall Road, Lisburn is closed between Largymore Link and Largymore Drive due to a fallen tree and flooding.

Road users are asked to avoid the area, and seek an alternative route for your journey.

A statement from the PSNI said that ‘persistent heavy rain has led to flooding in a number of areas’.

‘Please reduce your speed and drive with extra caution,’ it added.

‘Excess surface water could lead to aquaplaning.

‘Consider the potential risks before you leave.

‘Do not place yourself or others in unnecessary danger’.

The warning comes as TrafficwatchNI warns that ‘Storm Chandra will bring very strong winds, leading to the potential for damage and disruption on Tuesday’.

Motorists are advised there will be longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, some roads and bridges likely to close, there is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage, probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, flying debris is likely and could lead to Injuries or danger to life and injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.

What should I do?

The advice adds: ‘Easterly winds will increase early on Tuesday morning bringing gusts of 60-70 mph to eastern and northern parts of Northern Ireland with a few coastal locations seeing gusts of 75 mph. Heavy rain will be an additional hazard.

‘Winds may ease a little early in the afternoon, before increasing to similar speeds once more from a south-easterly direction late afternoon and early evening.

‘Large waves could bring additional impacts to some eastern coastal areas’.