THE North West is slowly easing back to normality as Storm Rachel subsides – but there is still some disruption with traffic delays in Derry City.
Derry City Council says all its services are operating normally. NIE says it has 2,500 customers without power, most of these in Tyrone.
The main problems this afternoon are on our roads, with tailbacks caused by the closure of the Foyle Bridge.
Trees blocking some roads are being removed; Ardlough Road and the old Letterkenny Road in the city were affected. There were also trees blocking roads in Claudy.
Motorists are being urged to continue to drive with care as several roads are still flooded, particularly in rural areas.
Further heavy showers have added to those problems in recent hours.
“While the worst of the storm has passed it is still pretty awful out and about,” said a Met Office spokesman.
“The North West of Northern Ireland bore the brunt of the storm and caution is urged not just for the rest of today but overnight and through the weekend.”
Derry has escaped the worst of the weather. In Donegal 10,000 homes were left without power, although most of these will be restored by mid-afternoon.
In the North, NIE engineers are on the ground presently repairing broken electricity lines and damage to poles and other power equipment caused by flying debris and high winds.
An NIE spokesperson said: “There may also be further faults which have not yet been reported to Northern Ireland Electricity and adverse weather conditions, which could cause additional faults, are due to continue for the next few hours.
“We would like to remind customers that if they do lose electricity supplies they should contact the NIE Customer Helpline on 03457 643 643 or report the fault online at nie.co.uk.
“Customers can also follow us on Twitter @NIElectricity for regular updates.”
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