Northern Ireland has been hit by strong winds as Storm Pia makes its way towards the north coast. The Danish Met Office named the storm, which is expected to bring gusts of up to 45-55mph (72-88km/h), with speeds that could exceed 60 mph (96 km/h). Drivers have been warned of possible disruption from fallen trees and debris. The Met Office has issued a weather warning for potentially damaging winds until 9 pm GMT on Thursday. People have also been advised to be aware of large and life-threatening waves on the coast.
In Loughgall, the Drumilly Road has been closed due to a fallen tree at the junction of the Ballygasey Road. Storm Pia has also sparked weather warnings across the Republic of Ireland from Irish weather service Met Éireann. The organisation warns of difficult driving and cycling conditions, large coastal waves, and debris with loose objects being displaced. Although the winds are expected to subside by Thursday evening, it will remain blustery accompanied by spells of rain.
The outlook for the run up to Christmas remains mild but with gusty winds. It will often be cloudy with spells of rain, or showers. Christmas Day should see temperatures dipping closer to average at around seven or eight degrees. The storm is expected to continue to cause disruption throughout Thursday, with police advising people to be aware of fallen trees and to avoid coastal areas and piers. Pia is the latest of a series of storms to hit Northern Ireland and the British Isles
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