District escapes the worst of Storm Kathleen

District escapes the worst of Storm Kathleen

10 April 2024

DOWN District escaped extensive damage after Storm Kathleen struck at the weekend.

A number of roads were blocked and there was localised flooding in coastal areas caused by a combination of high tides and the gale force wind.

A yellow weather warning had been in force until 10pm on Saturday with the strongest gusts recorded reaching 69mph.

The Met Office had warned of possible travel disruption, power cuts and a risk of injuries.

However, the damage was less severe compared to the battering of Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn in January.

The Comber Road, Killyleagh, was closed for a time by a fallen tree which also brought down an electrical cable. The Saintfield Road, near Carryduff, was also closed due to a fallen tree.

While the district escaped severe flooding, coastal towns and villages sustained heavy waves.

The ferry service from Strangford to Portaferry was suspended throughout Saturday, with some minor flooding occurring in Strangford village.

Waves crashed over the sea wall in Newcastle and parts of Seaview and the Shore Road in Killyleagh were flooded for a time.