Donegal County Council has activated its Severe Weather Assessment Team and is continuing to monitor the evolving situation before Storm Boelo makes landfall tomorrow.
Urging people to be careful, the council says its resources are at a heightened state of readiness in response to this imminent period of unsettled weather.
A Status Orange Wind warning has been issued for Donegal from 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon until 9 o’clock on Sunday morning, with Storm Boelo bringing gale force westerly winds with severe and damaging gusts.
A Status Yellow Wind Warning will be in effect until 3 o’clock on Sunday, while a Status Yellow Rain Warning will be in effect from 4 o’clock tomorrow morning until 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.
People are asked to exercise caution during this period of inclement weather and to monitor Met Éireann forecasts and donegalcoco.ie, as conditions can change quickly.
Due to possible flooding, with high tides and storm surge predicted, Donegal Pier Car Park will be closed for periods over the weekend, full details on highlandradio.com.
The UK Met Office has also issued an amber wind warning for County Derry tomorrow night, with Derry City and Strabane District Council also urging people to take extra care,. and stay informed
*****************
Donegal County Council statement –
Press Release
23/10/2026
Due to possible flooding, with high tides and storm surge predicted, Donegal Pier Car Park will be closed during the following periods:
24 October 2026: 16:00 to 19:00.
25 October 2026: 03:00 to 06:30 and 15:30 to 18:30.
26 October 2026: 04:00 to 07:00.
- Secure any loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines and temporary structures.
- Stay informed through Met Éireann and local authority channels, and adjust your travel plans if necessary.
- Motorists should be alert for fallen trees, debris and difficult driving conditions
- Never attempt to drive through flooded roads.
- Allow extra time for essential travel.
- Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility.
- Do not bypass Road Closed signs – the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk.
- Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
- Check with transport operators when planning journeys.
- Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.
- Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
- The high winds could also cause hazards around coastal edges, and the Irish Coast Guard advice is clear: ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.’
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit Met Éireann – The Irish Meteorological Service for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. In regards to power restoration times.
Derry City and Strabane District Council Statement –
Press information
Friday, 23 October 2026
Council advises public of service impacts ahead of Storm Boelo
Derry City and Strabane District Council is urging the public to take extra care and stay informed as Storm Boelo is expected to bring severe weather conditions across the district this weekend.
Following Met Office advice, an Amber wind warning is in place for the north and northeast of the North from 9pm on Saturday 24 October until 9pm on Sunday 25 October. A Yellow wind warning covering all of Northern Ireland is also in place from 10am on Saturday until 12 noon on Sunday. The strongest winds are expected overnight Saturday into Sunday, with gusts of 60 to 70mph widely and up to 80mph possible along exposed coastal areas.
The Met Office has warned that flying debris, fallen trees and power outages are likely, while road, rail, air and ferry services may be disrupted. Coastal areas may also experience dangerous waves and storm surge conditions. Heavy rain accompanying the strong winds could lead to localised flooding issues and blocked drainage systems.
Council is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property, secure any loose outdoor items and check the latest weather forecasts before travelling.
While most Council services will continue to operate, some facilities may be affected by the weather warnings. Council officials will continue to carry out risk assessments over the weekend and will review accordingly.
Cemeteries
Council cemeteries will be open tomorrow Saturday and closed on Sunday, except for funerals. However this is subject to officers carrying out health and safety risk assessments over the weekend. Any updates will be provided.
Recycling Centres
Recycling centres will be open tomorrow Saturday and closed on Sunday, subject to health and safety risk assessments with further updates provided when available. Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and follow staff instructions while using the sites.
Outdoor Sports Facilities
In the interests of health and safety, all Council outdoor sports facilities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Facilities will undergo safety inspections before reopening and user groups will be contacted directly.
Parks, Play Parks and Greenways
All Council parks, greenways and play areas will be closed on Saturday and Sunday and the public is advised to avoid open spaces and areas with trees during the period of strongest winds. Facilities will be inspected before reopening and some delays may be experienced.
Leisure Centres
Brooke Park Leisure Centre will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Customers are advised to use facilities at other leisure facilities. All other facilities are open subject to ongoing health and safety risk assessments.
Council Facilities
The Guildhall and Tower Museum will remain open and operating as normal.
Community Facilities
Users of community facilities are encouraged to check directly with individual venues regarding arrangements.
City of Derry Airport
Passengers travelling to and from City of Derry Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check flight information before travelling via the airport website: Live Flight Information
Inspections before reopening
Routine inspections will be carried out on all Council facilities on Monday morning before reopening. Members of the public are asked for patience, as facilities will only reopen once they have been deemed safe.
Ongoing monitoring
Council will continue to monitor weather forecasts and the implications on services and will provide regular updates on services through its social media channels.
Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and weather warnings through the Met Office website and app. The Met Office has indicated that further wind and rain may affect Northern Ireland early next week and is continuing to monitor the situation.
Emergency numbers
You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:
emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
For more information and advice visit – https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/strong-winds-weather-warning-information-and-advice#toc-0
