Schools in Northern Ireland will close on Friday after a weather warning was upgraded to status red and the Met Office warned of “very dangerous conditions” ahead of Storm Éowyn.
Stormont Education Minister Paul Givan confirmed the decision before noon on Thursday following an Executive meeting.
Further details in relation to public transport and other services are expected to be announced by ministers later on Thursday.
The red alert covers all of Northern Ireland from 7am on Friday until 2pm when “widespread disruption” is expected.
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The Met Office says there is a danger to life.
Mr Givan said the Education Authority has advised that all schools should close.
“I understand this will impact on the work of schools and indeed on other businesses and services, but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff. Schools should put plans in place today for remote learning so that pupils can study at home,” he said.
The last time all schools were advised to close following a weather alert was before Hurricane Ophelia in 2017.
Aer Lingus has cancelled 19 incoming and outgoing flights that were scheduled between Belfast City Airport and Britain.
P&O announced ferry cancellations between Larne and Cairnryan from 4am to noon on Friday.
Winds are expected to rapidly increase on Friday with peak gusts of 130-145 km/h and possibly up to 160km/h along some exposed coasts.
The Met Office has advised people to stay indoors and avoid travelling by road. It is the first time a red weather warning has been issued for the North since an impact-based system was introduced in 2011.
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