Map
- Headline: Thunderstorm Thursday 14th August between 00:00 - 22:00hrs
Whilst some places will remain dry, heavy showers and thunderstorms could cause disruption on Thursday.
What should I expect?
- Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
- Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
- There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
- There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.
What should I do?
5 tips for staying safe in a thunderstorm
Stay safe in thunder and lightningTravelling in storms, rain and strong wind
Further detail
Whilst not all areas will be affected, heavy showers and thunderstorms may develop in places during the early hours of Thursday and into Thursday morning, perhaps merging into some larger areas of rain. Where heavy downpours occur, 20-40 mm of rain could accumulate in less than an hour, bringing the risk of some surface water flooding. Hail and lightning will be additional hazards.
Further scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are then likely to develop on Thursday afternoon and evening across portions of central and eastern Scotland in particular. These will be rather slow-moving, potentially giving isolated accumulations of 40-60 mm in an hour, with a higher likelihood of some impacts from surface water flooding. Showers and thunderstorms should slowly decay during the mid to late evening.
What Should I Do?
Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.
- Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.
Regions and local authorities affected:
Northern Ireland
- County Antrim
- County Armagh
- County Down
- County Fermanagh
- County Londonderry
- County Tyrone
Traffic News
Traffic is busy on the following routes :
- leaving the M2 at Nelson Street
- A12 Westlink towards York Street
Police are currently at the scene of a two vehicle collision on Slaughterford Road, Whitehead.
The road is closed from the Larne Road junction and local diversions are in place.
No other unusual delays or incidents to report.
THIS WEEKEND
Belfast - Essential Maintenance Works to commence on M3 Lagan Bridge
A £400k major maintenance scheme on the M3 Lagan Bridge is to recommence on Friday 1 August 2025.
Last summer 10 bridge bearings were replaced and a further 8 are now scheduled to be replaced over two weekends in August from Friday 1 August to Mon 4 August and 15 August to 18 August.
- The first weekend road closure is now complete.
The second weekend road closure will be on the westbound carriageway from 9pm on Friday 15 August 2025 until 6am on Monday 18 August 2025. (MAIN IMPACT WILL BE FOR TRAFFIC APPROACHING FROM EAST / SOUTH BELFAST AND NORTH DOWN)
- During this time the M3 will be closed from Bridge End to M2 Foreshore and there will be no access to the bridge from the A2 Sydenham Bypass with all traffic leaving at Bridge End Flyover. There will also be no access to M3 bridge from Middlepath Street on-slip during this period.
While the Department has carefully planned these road works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience to the public, delays are inevitable and road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey particularly if travelling to the ports or airports.
Diversionary routes will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure and road users are requested to abide by the temporary traffic management arrangements which are in place for the safety of the public and road workers.
NIE Networks will be undertaking major new customer connections in the Duncrue Street area of Belfast to support the development of a mass electric vehicle charging station and to increase electrical capacity for a redevelopment project in the area. In order to minimise disruption, NIE we have scheduled this work during the summer months
These essential works will begin on Saturday 28 June 2025 and last for a total period of approximately four months.
Traffic Management Details:
Saturday 28 June 2025 – 11 July 2025: The M2 Whitla Street off-slip (city-bound) will operate at reduced capacity, with one lane remaining open at all times under Traffic Management.
- From 21 July 2025 : Works will recommence on Duncrue Street (country bound), this is a road closure in both directions with local access only.
NIE would encourage anyone with any questions to make contact directly with NIE Networks via their Customer Contact Centre on 03457 643643.
Phase 2 of the works will commence on Sunday 10 August and will be completed under the following traffic management arrangements:
- A full overnight closure will be in place from 11pm on Sunday 10 August until 6am on Monday 11 August on the east-bound M1 carriageway, to allow a temporary barrier to be installed.
- Works will be ongoing for approximately 6 weeks from Monday 11 August with a permanent hard shoulder closure in place. Lane 1 of the east-bound carriageway of the M1 will be closed in the vicinity of the works each night during the hours of 9pm and 6am (Sunday to Thursday only) to allow the old parapet to be removed and a new parapet to be installed safely.
- Following installation of the new parapet, a full overnight closure will be required on the east-bound carriageway of the M1 to allow the temporary barrier to be removed, date to be confirmed.
Belfast - the Short Strand will be fully closed on the weekends below from 20:00 on Friday to 06:00 on the following Monday:
Friday 22 – Monday 25 August 2025
Friday 29 August – Monday 1 September 2025
Friday 12 – Monday 15 September 2025
Delays can be expected and road users are advised to seek an alternative routes if possible.
Road improvement scheme for Moira Road, Lisburn.
A £339,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on A3 Moira Road, Lisburn commenced on Monday 30 June 2025.
The resurfacing scheme will extend for approximately 0.6 km from the junction of Hulls Lane to near Lissue Road.
To facilitate the scheme, it will be necessary to implement off-peak road closures ( Mon to Fri only) on Moira Road, between Hulls Lane and Lissue Road, during the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm from Monday 30 June 2025 until Friday 19 September 2025, with a two week break for the July holidays.
During periods of closure a diversion will operate
- via Halftown Road, Culcavy Road, Lisburn Road, A1 Hillsborough Road, A101 Hillsborough Road, Governors Road, Longstone Street, Moira Road and vice versa.
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Friday 19 September 2025, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.
A major £2.4m road safety improvement scheme commenced at The Cutts junction Dunmurry on Monday 14 October.
The scheme will provide significant safety improvements for right turning vehicles and pedestrians by widening of the McKinstry Road to accommodate a revised traffic signal layout at the busy McKinstry Road /Derriaghy Road /The Cutts junction.
In order to complete the work safely it will be necessary to implement lane closures throughout the duration of the scheme. The number of running lanes will be reduced to one lane of in each direction as the work progresses
It is anticipated that the scheme will be completed by the end of August 2025.
Delays to traffic in the vicinity of the works are inevitable and where possible road users should consider an alternative route while the Department completes the works.
M1 Eastbound On-slip at Ballynacor Interchange, Craigavon (Junction 11) will be closed continuously from 20:00 on Friday 25 July to 07:00 on Saturday 09 August 2025, with traffic being diverted via M1 Westbound to Birches Roundabout (Junction 12) and then back up M1 Eastbound towards Lurgan/Belfast during mainly daytime hours (at times when M1 Eastbound Main Line is not fully closed).
M1 Eastbound Main Line between Ballynacor Interchange, Craigavon (Junction 11) and Lurgan Roundabout (Junction 10) will be reduced to a single lane continuously from 20:00 on Friday
25 July to 07:00 on Saturday 09 August 2025 (at times when M1 Eastbound Main Line is not fully closed).
M1 Eastbound Main Line between Ballynacor Interchange, Craigavon (Junction 11) and Lurgan Roundabout (Junction 10) will be fully closed through the night each night from Friday 25 July to
Saturday 09 August 2025,
with traffic being diverted via M12 Motorway, (A3) Kernan Loop, (A3) Northway, (A3) Central Way, (A3) Lake Road, (U1125) Eastway, (B2) Silverwood Road, (C706) Kiln Road, (A76) Lough Road, and Junction 10 Lurgan Roundabout.
Closure hours will vary each night as per below:
- M1 Eastbound Total Closure on Friday nights (25th July, 1st Aug & 8th Aug) from 20:00 to 07:00.
- M1 Eastbound Total Closure on Saturday nights (26th July & 2nd Aug) from 20:00 to 12:00 (Sunday midday).
- M1 Eastbound Total Closure from Sunday nights to Thursday nights (27th – 31st July & 3rd – 7th Aug) from 20:00 to 06:00 each night.
Please note that M1 Westbound will not be closed at any time.
These closures are to facilitate essential M1 carriageway resurfacing work by Amey.
Please ensure to allow additional time for your journey.
A new traffic signals layout became operational on the 3 July 2025 on the A24 Saintfield Road / Knockbracken Road at the Health Care Centre.
Road users should approach with extra care until they become accustomed to the new signals and timings. Further remedial works such as high friction surfacing remain to be completed.
Pedestrian island work is currently ongoing to provide and enhance pedestrian movements and accessibility. During this period city bound traffic on the Saintfield Road will be reduced to one lane.
A 30 mph speed limit remains on the main Saintfield in the vicinity of the works.
We appreciate this may cause inconvenience and disruption but appreciate your patience during this time.
The scheme is expected to finish in late July 2025.
Co Londonderry - NI Water will commence essential sewer improvement work on Queens Quay, between Harbour Square Roundabout and Strand Road Roundabout in Derry.
NI Water can confirm that the planned work on Queens Quay in Derry/Londonderry will commence on Monday 28th July at 7pm, following a week’s postponement for the Foyle Cup.
Initially there will be a full closure of Queens Quay overnight (from 7pm Monday 28th July until 6am Tuesday 29th July), between Harbour Square Roundabout and Queens Quay Roundabout while our contractor GRAHAM installs the necessary traffic management to carry out the sewer relining works.
From 6am on Tuesday 29th July there will be a one-way closure northbound on Queens Quay for around 6 weeks, with traffic diverted along Strand Road during this time.
Meanwhile, traffic management on Madam’s Bank Road will be reinstated on Sunday 27th July to facilitate the recommencement of pipe laying there. For safety reasons, supporting traffic management will also be in place on Foyle Bridge and Culmore Road, however our contractor for that work, BSG, will work longer hours in a bid to get that supporting traffic management removed as quickly as possible.
NI Water and our project teams thank local businesses and the wider public for their patience and cooperation while we undertake this essential improvement work.
Co Armagh - Portadown - temporary Road Closure to parts of A4 Dungannon Road, A4 Moy Road Roundabout, A4 Charles Street, and A4 Corcrain Road.
from 100m North West of their junction with C162 Drumcree Road to their junction with B77 West Street, through the night from 19:00 to 06:00 each night, commencing on Monday 28 July 2025 until Saturday 23 August 2025 (Roads will be open during Saturday and Sunday nights).
Day time lane closures will also be in place on parts of the above-named roads from 09:30 to 16:30 daily, commencing on Monday 28 July 2025 until Friday 12 September 2025.
Local access and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
This closure is to facilitate carriageway resurfacing work by DFI Roads.
Alternative diversion routes will be signed as follows:
- Diversion Route 1 - A4 Dungannon Road, A4 Birches Roundabout, M1 Motorway, M12 Ballynacor Interchange, M12 Motorway, A3 Kernan Loop, A3 Northway and A4 Corcrain Road.
- Diversion Route 2 - B28 Moy Road, B131 Teagy Road, B131 Derrycoose Road, B131 Blackisland Road, M1 Motorway, M12 Ballynacor Interchange, M12 Motorway, A3 Kernan Loop, A3 Northway and A4 Corcrain Road.
Traffic prohibited from using the M1 Motorway – Please find an alternative route.
Belfast Harbour Commissioners has commissioned contractor Gibson (Banbridge) Ltd to complete necessary emergency works to replace and upgrade the foul sewer network which is located in the Queen’s Quay/Sydenham Road area.
The final parts of the works will continue after 27 June 2025 with 2-way traffic flow to be accommodated on Queen’s Quay in July, and until planned completion in mid-August.
Variable Message Signage (VMS) is currently in place to advertise this planned road closure.
Upcoming lane / road closures as detailed below.
Lurgan Bound traffic. (Lane 2) temporary Lane Closure to part of A3 Lake Road, Craigavon - from 300m West of Roundabout 3 to 100m West of Roundabout 2, continuously from 07:00 on Monday 11 August 2025 until 06:00 on Saturday 16 August 2025.
Lurgan Bound traffic. Full Road Closure to part of A3 Lake Road, Craigavon - from Roundabout 3 to Roundabout 2, continuously from 06:00 on Saturday 16 August 2025 until 23:00 on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Portadown Bound traffic. Full Road Closure to part of A3 Lake Road, Craigavon - from Roundabout 2 to Roundabout 3, continuously from 07:00 on Thursday 14 August 2025 until 23:00 on Sunday 17 August 2025.
These closures are to facilitate the installation of Moylinn Footbridge by DFI Roads.
An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via:
A3 Lake Road, U1387 Tullygally East Road, B2 Tullygally East Road, B2 Brownlow Road and C156 Drumgor Road.
Please ensure to allow additional time for your journey.
Belfast - a pedestrian and cycle improvement scheme in Lagmore Avenue, Belfast, part of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan, that includes segregated cycle tracks along Lagmore Avenue between the junction of Stewartstown Road and Glenfearna Park will commence on 10 March 2025.
To help ensure the safety of road users and our road workers, it will be necessary to operate daily lane closures along Lagmore Avenue between 9.30am and 4.00pm (Mon- Fri) from 10 March until late September 2025.
Once completed this scheme will deliver improved active travel connections to local schools and amenities in the Lagmore area.
Safety will also be improved with the provision of two toucan crossings at existing crossing points and the introduction of raised table humps at all minor road accesses to further assist pedestrian and wheeled users.”
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Durham Street Closure for essential Public Realm works
To facilitate essential public realm works around the new Belfast Grand Central Station, Durham Street (from Grosvenor Road to Hope Street) closed on Saturday 12 October 2024 for a period of up to 12 months.
Translink is encouraging people to consider using public transport to access the city during this next phase of works as road users can expect some delays.
Clearly signed diversionary routes will be in place for motorists that need to travel to the city and everyone is asked to follow these or to find an alternative route or way to travel.
B15 Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle (between Glenbank Road and Greenan Road) remains closed due to a landslide / partial road collapse on Wednesday 27 March 24.
The road may be closed for the foreseeable future given the severity of the collapse.
Road users should avoid the area and seek an alternative route for their journey.
The information on this website is provided by DfI (Department for Infrastructure). DfI is the sole roads authority responsible for all public roads, footways, bridges and street lights in Northern Ireland.