Storm Chandra brings amber wind warning as councils issue services update
- Love Ballymena
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Residents across Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey, are being urged to take precautions as Storm Chandra is set to bring disruptive winds and heavy rain from the early hours of Tuesday, January 27.
The Met Office has issued an AMBER Weather Warning for Wind, in force from 5am until 9pm on Tuesday 27 January 2026, alongside a YELLOW Weather Warning for Rain covering the entire borough from midnight tonight until midnight on Tuesday.
Council services under review as conditions worsen
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has confirmed that, at present, leisure centres, civic buildings, community centres, harbours and marinas remain open, but stressed that this position may change as conditions deteriorate and health and safety assessments are carried out.
Residents are being advised to prepare for potential disruption, including power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
“It is advised that residents secure loose items around their homes, stay indoors where possible, avoid travelling unless essential, keep away from coastal areas and fallen trees, and have a torch and supplies ready in case of power cuts,” the council said.
Further advice and updates on severe weather can be found at:
Parks, cemeteries and outdoor spaces closed
As a precaution, all council parks in Mid and East Antrim are currently closed and will remain so until Wednesday 28 January 2026, pending safety inspections. The council has also advised the public to avoid cemeteries tonight and tomorrow due to the risk posed by high winds and falling debris.
The closures include:
All play parks
All MUGAs and pitches
Sentry Hill
Memorial Park
People’s Park
Ecos grounds (the public is advised to avoid this open space)
Bentra Golf Course
Dixon Park
Larne Town Park
Shaftesbury Park
Joymount Park
Bracknamuckley Forest
Carnfunnock Country Park walking paths
All other sites remain open subject to ongoing assessment of weather conditions.
Anyone experiencing flooding is advised to contact the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100. Additional emergency guidance is available via:
Antrim and Newtownabbey: service disruption confirmed
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has also confirmed widespread service disruption in response to Storm Chandra.
“The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind and rain valid from 00:00 to 23:59 on Tuesday 27 January and an amber weather warning for wind valid from 05:00 to 21:00 on Tuesday 27 January,” the council said.
As a result:
Golf courses, outdoor pitches, parks, caravan parks and open spaces will be closed
Household Recycling Centres will be closed
Bin collections will continue as normal, however residents are asked not to leave bins out overnight
Bins should be presented by 7am on the day of collection and brought back in as soon as possible afterwards. Any changes to services will be communicated via council social media channels.
All services will be kept under regular review, with updates available at:
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council announces widespread outdoor closures
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has confirmed extensive closures to outdoor facilities due to the “extreme nature of the weather conditions” associated with Storm Chandra.
The council said it has taken the decision to close a wide range of sites for the duration of the weather warnings, citing public safety concerns.
“Due to the extreme nature of the weather conditions, we have made the decision to close the following Council facilities for the duration of the warnings,” the council said.
The closures include:
All Council woodlands, forests and heavily wooded areas
All Council-owned playparks
All parks, including:
Anderson Park
Somerset
Christie Park
Ramore Head
Garvagh Forest
Cottagewood, Cushendall
Riverside Park, Ballymoney
Megaw Park, Ballymoney
Dungiven Castle Park
Backburn Path
Greysteel Glen
All outdoor open recreational and sport spaces, including 3G and football pitches
The council has advised that household recycling centres are anticipated to remain open at this time, but residents are encouraged to check for updates as conditions evolve.
Members of the public are being strongly urged to avoid visiting any outdoor sites, whether coastal or inland, including beaches and headlands, for the duration of the weather warnings.
All affected sites are expected to reopen on Wednesday 28 January 2026, following safety assessments carried out after the warnings have expired.
Belfast City Council confirms closures across key services
Belfast City Council has also confirmed widespread disruption to services on Tuesday 27 January, as the amber weather warning for Storm Chandra comes into force.
In an update issued on 26 January 2026, the council said a number of facilities will be closed due to safety concerns.
“Due to the amber weather warning now in place for Storm Chandra, there will be closures and disruption to some of our facilities and services tomorrow (Tuesday 27 January),” the council said.
The following closures have been confirmed:
All council parks, playgrounds and pitches will be closed
Council civic amenity sites and recycling centres will be closed
Belfast Zoo will be closed
All cemeteries will be closed, although planned burials will still take place
Residents are advised that service updates may change as weather conditions develop. Full and regularly updated details are available at:
Further help and advice regarding the weather warning is also available via NI Direct at:
The council has urged residents to stay informed, follow official guidance, and avoid unnecessary travel while severe weather conditions persist.
Community impact and safety message
With strong winds forecast across Northern Ireland, councils are emphasising the importance of public safety, particularly for families, older residents and those living in exposed or coastal areas. Disruption to daily routines, travel plans and outdoor activities is expected, with officials warning that conditions could change rapidly throughout the day.
Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbours where safe to do so and to keep up to date with official warnings as Storm Chandra passes through the region.