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Gusts of up to 80mph on the way for Easter weekend

Barra BestSenior weather presenter, BBC News NI
Reuters Image of waves crashing against a coastal path. The backdrop behind the waves is a green hill with trees and houses.Reuters
Carnlough during Storm Bram in December 2025

Forecasters are warning of winds of up to 80 mph on Saturday evening when Storm Dave hits Northern Ireland.

The yellow weather warning, which begins at 14:00 BST, has been extended by an hour to 03:00 on Sunday.

The Met Office is warning of possible damage, power cuts and disruption to travel.

Some council facilities are closed, and people are being advised to stay clear of forests, country parks, and nature reserves until the high winds have ceased.

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A rapidly deepening area of low pressure is expected to move north across the island of Ireland on Saturday and overnight into Easter Sunday.

While there remains some uncertainty as to the exact track of the storm, a period of strong winds is expected through Saturday night and into the first part of Sunday, before easing later in the day.

There is also a chance that wind gusts could reach up to 80 mph briefly on Saturday evening.

A number of councils have announced the closure of public facilities and parks.

The Maritime and Coast Guard agency has also issued advice, including to stay well back from cliff edges and avoid walking near the base of cliffs.

A graphic of north-west Europe. A number of cities are marked and named, including Dublin and Belfast. There is a large expanse of white over the Atlantic, the island of Ireland, and Britain. To the west of the island of Ireland is a blue and purple shape. There are dozens of white arrows pointing north and east.
A deepening area of low pressure is expected to track north across the island of Ireland

Ards and North Down

Easter events scheduled for Saturday at Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport have been cancelled.

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

Parks and public spaces remain open, however the council are urging the public to avoid them.

An Artisan market scheduled for tomorrow in Lurgan has been postponed until Saturday the 18th April.

Fermanagh and Omagh

The council is advising people not to visit outdoor council facilities, including recycling centres, during the weather warning.

A number of council facilities and outdoor spaces will be closed, such as the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail and Gortin Glens Forest Park.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website.

Newry, Mourne and Down

The Motor Cycle Road Racing Club of Ireland (MCRRCI) have cancelled their 50th Enkalon Trophy event which was due to take place in Downpatrick tomorrow because of the worsening conditions.

Mid Ulster

The council has advised the public not to visit any of its outdoor open spaces until the high winds subside.

All Recycling Centres will close at 13:30 BST on Saturday 4 April.

Tourist attractions and a number of caravan parks will be shut during the storm.

For a full list of closures, visit the council website.

Republic of Ireland warnings

A yellow weather warning has also been issued across the Republic of Ireland from Saturday afternoon.

The alert from Irish weather service, Met Éireann, lasts from 13:00 local time until 02:00 on Sunday.

The organisation is warning of travel disruption as well as fallen trees and large coastal waves.