Weather Warnings and Impact

Met Éireann has issued red weather warnings for Cork and Galway, indicating the highest level of alert due to the severe conditions expected in these areas. Orange warnings are in place for several other counties, including Donegal, Kerry, and Mayo. These warnings highlight the potential for significant disruption, including power outages, travel delays, and property damage. The red warnings are expected to remain in effect until 10am, while the orange warnings will lift by noon.

The storm has brought torrential rain and winds gusting close to 110 km/h overnight. Rivers in several counties, including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo, have broken their banks, leading to road closures and further travel disruptions. The Road Safety Authority has advised motorists to avoid any travel during the storm window. Public transport across Ireland has been heavily impacted, with numerous Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services either delayed or cancelled. The Green Party has cancelled an election event in Dublin due to the effects of the storm.

Power Outages

Storm Bert has left nearly 60,000 homes and businesses without power across Ireland. The worst-hit areas include Cork, Galway, and Donegal, where fallen trees and downed power lines have caused widespread outages. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore electricity, but the ongoing severe weather conditions are making their efforts challenging. The ESB has confirmed that the number of affected households could increase as the storm progresses.

Flooding Concerns

In West Cork, residents are particularly on edge as they recall the devastating floods caused by Storm Babet just last month. Business owners and homeowners in Bantry are relieved that the town has so far escaped major flooding, but the threat remains as heavy rainfall continues. In East Cork, areas like Midleton are still recovering from previous flood damage and are on high alert for any signs of rising water levels. Additionally, a landslide in a small Irish town has exacerbated the flooding situation, causing further damage and disruption. Rivers in several counties, including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, and Mayo, have broken their banks, leading to road closures and further travel disruptions.

Travel Disruptions

The storm has already caused significant travel disruptions. Flights have been cancelled, and there are reports of hazardous driving conditions due to fallen trees and debris on the roads. Public transport services are also experiencing delays, and authorities are advising people to avoid non-essential travel. Roads in several counties, including Kerry and Limerick, have been closed due to flooding. The Road Safety Authority has advised motorists to avoid any travel during the storm window, and numerous Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann services have been either delayed or cancelled.

Emergency Services and Public Safety

Emergency services are on high alert, responding to incidents and assisting those affected by the storm. The public is urged to stay indoors where possible and to secure any loose objects that could become dangerous in high winds. Met Éireann has also warned of the possibility of hail and isolated thunderstorms, which could exacerbate the situation. The Defence Forces have been deployed to assist with flood relief efforts in the most affected areas. Local authority crews in Cork and Galway are closely monitoring developments and are on standby to respond to any incidents as soon as it is safe to do so. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has stressed the importance of sheltering in place and avoiding travel during the red level warnings. The Irish Coast Guard has also issued a warning for people to stay away from coastal areas during this period.

Local authority crews in Cork and Galway are closely monitoring developments and are on standby to respond to any incidents as soon as it is safe to do so. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has stressed the importance of sheltering in place and avoiding travel during the red level warnings. The Irish Coast Guard has also issued a warning for people to stay away from coastal areas during this period.

The current weather outlook suggests that Ireland will experience a mix of heavy rain and strong winds. Met Éireann has not yet named the storm, but the forecast indicates that the conditions will remain volatile. The service has warned that the combination of these elements could lead to hazardous conditions, particularly in coastal areas.

The unsettled weather is expected to continue through the end of the week and into the weekend. Met Éireann has indicated that the conditions will remain volatile during this period, with a mix of heavy rain and strong winds likely to cause hazardous conditions, especially in coastal areas.

“Outbreaks of rain in most places for the rest of this evening, heavy and thundery at times, especially in the southeast, with the potential for localised flooding,” Met Éireann stated. The unsettled weather is expected to persist, with scattered showers and occasional sunny spells.

One of the primary concerns is the risk of flooding. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with high tides and strong winds potentially exacerbating the situation. Met Éireann has advised residents in these areas to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The forecast includes a chance of coastal flooding as temperatures are expected to reach up to 18°C. The combination of warm temperatures and heavy rainfall could lead to significant water accumulation, especially in low-lying areas.

While Northern Ireland is expected to escape the worst of the storm, yellow and amber weather warnings have been issued for the Republic of Ireland. These warnings highlight the potential for severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, which could disrupt daily activities and pose risks to safety.

Met Éireann has urged the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to heed any warnings issued. The service recommends securing outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel, and preparing for possible power outages. In the event of flooding, residents are advised to move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

Local authorities are also preparing for the storm, with emergency services on standby to respond to any incidents. The public is encouraged to report any hazards or flooding to the relevant authorities to ensure a swift response.

As the week progresses, Met Éireann will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates as necessary. The service has emphasised the importance of staying informed and prepared, as the situation can change rapidly.

For the latest weather updates and safety information, residents are encouraged to visit the Met Éireann website and follow their social media channels.

Today started mostly dry but saw rain initiating in the west around noon, progressing eastward by evening. Particularly heavy showers in the southwest and south could lead to localized flooding, adding to the precarious weather conditions.

Temperatures will peak between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius during the day before plunging to a chilly 3 to 7 degrees overnight. The night promises continued rainfall and potential foggy patches, making travel risky.

However, a respite seems in sight with Monday forecasted to be predominantly dry, featuring bright, sunny spells and some scattered rain in the northwest. A mild temperature range of 11 to 15 degrees Celsius is expected, providing a brief break from the harsher conditions.

The weather this week will be a mixed bag, with a gradual shift towards milder conditions. Heavy rain will threaten again on Tuesday, particularly affecting southern counties and likely causing additional spot flooding, with temperatures hovering around 12 to 16 degrees.

The rainfall is set to extend into Wednesday morning but will clear from the southwest by afternoon, promising drier conditions as it moves east. Expect warmer temperatures ranging from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius.

As the week progresses, Thursday and Friday are forecast to mirror earlier conditions with intermittent sunny spells and showers, temperatures reaching between 14 to 16 degrees on Thursday and cooling slightly to 12 to 14 degrees on Friday.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Met Éireann anticipates a continuation of showers on Saturday and a heavier downpour by Sunday, ensuring the wet pattern persists.

The weather forecast predicts persistent and heavy rainfall, with potential impacts such as localised flooding, difficult travel conditions, and poor visibility. Met Éireann has advised residents in the affected areas to take precautions and stay updated on weather developments.

Potential Impacts of Heavy Rain Warning in Ireland

The expected heavy rain could lead to significant disruptions. Localised flooding is a major concern, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage systems. Motorists are urged to exercise caution due to difficult travel conditions and poor visibility.

Monday will see a mix of cloudy periods and sunny spells, with isolated showers in the north and west. However, rain and drizzle are expected to build up in Munster and south Leinster later in the day. Temperatures will range between 16 to 20 degrees Celsius with light winds.

Tuesday’s weather will be mostly cloudy with continuous rain and drizzle, especially in the southeast, east, and northeast, raising the possibility of spot flooding. The southwest and west will likely experience drier conditions with sunny spells developing later in the day. Temperatures will be between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, warmest in the west, with moderate to occasionally fresh northeasterly winds.

The outlook for the week suggests that low pressure will dominate initially, bringing more rain and showers. However, conditions are expected to become drier and more settled later in the week.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through Met Éireann’s updates and plan their activities accordingly to ensure safety during this period of adverse weather.

Stay safe and stay prepared.

For more information, visit Met Éireann.

The landslide occurred in the early hours of June 30, 2024, in the Swiss town of Brienz. According to local authorities, the heavy rains that pounded the region over the past week led to the destabilization of the mountain slopes, resulting in a massive slide of mud and debris. The landslide not only claimed two lives but also left one individual unaccounted for, with rescue operations ongoing.

Emergency services have been working tirelessly to locate the missing person. However, efforts have been hampered by the treacherous conditions and the sheer volume of debris. Swiss authorities have called in additional resources to aid in the search and rescue mission, hoping to find the missing person alive despite the challenging circumstances .

This disaster in Switzerland is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather affecting Europe. As reported by Breaking News, at least four people have died across Switzerland and Italy due to storms causing both flooding and landslides. The torrential downpours have led to rivers overflowing, washing away cars and damaging infrastructure .

The Guardian highlights the impact of these storms in other parts of Europe, including France, where severe weather has caused significant disruptions. In some areas, the heavy rains have led to localized flooding, forcing evacuations and causing damage to homes and businesses .

The Daily Mail provides a broader perspective on Europe’s weather chaos, noting that the continent is experiencing extreme weather conditions, including a heatwave with temperatures soaring to 42°C in some regions. This combination of high temperatures and severe storms has created a volatile and dangerous environment across multiple countries.