Storm Bert: Status Orange storm to barrel in from the Atlantic with ...
Power lines down, homes and businesses left in the dark as trees toppled by weight of snow this week Today will be cold and frosty with icy stretches this morning And Status Orange weather warning issued for Cork, Kerry and Galway as Storm Bert due to hit Ireland this evening
A Status Orange weather warning has been issued for three counties over Storm Bert, which will strike Ireland just 24 hours after an Arctic snap.
Freezing conditions yesterday forced some schools to close, left commuters facing travel misery and inflicted power cuts on thousands of households and businesses.
Temperatures plunged close to -5C as snowfalls reached up to 20cm in some parts of Munster and Connacht.
Storm Bert, the second Atlantic storm of the season, is set to hit Ireland this evening, bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 110kmh.
It will strengthen further as it approaches the UK, with the prospect of winds proving even more damaging over northern England and Scotland.
Met Éireann warned that Bert was likely to bring very intense rainfall over a short period.
A Status Orange alert for rain was issued for Cork, Kerry and Galway, with Met Éireann warning that further alerts may follow.
The warning lasts from midnight tonight until 10am tomorrow.
7-Day Weather Forecast: 18th November - 24th November 2024
A Status Yellow wind and rain warning was issued for the rest of the country amid fears of localised flooding, fallen trees and further disruption to travel and power supply networks.
While the storm will hit tonight, the effects could be felt through tomorrow and into Sunday and Monday.
It will displace the Arctic air mass over Ireland and replace it with heavy rain and very strong winds.
A major concern is the potential for river flooding as snow melt from higher ground combines with torrential rain.
Water safety groups warned that streams and rivers could be transformed into torrents.
The Status Yellow alert will remain in place from 10pm tonight until noon tomorrow as motorists face three successive days of travel warnings.
Some areas may get further snow before the full impact of Bert is felt.
A Status Yellow low temperature warning for the entire country has been extended until noon today.
“The wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow will continue to impact the south and west of Ireland,” Met Éireann’s Siobhan Ryan said.
“Icy patches will linger in sheltered parts and there will be a few isolated snow flurries.
“Friday will be mostly dry, icy and frosty to start out. Temperatures will step up, but it will still be quite cold. It will all change for the weekend as we move into a spell of wetter, windy and possibly stormy weather.
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“Friday night will be very wet and windy, with heavy rain from the south-west and will be accompanied by very strong and gusting south-easterly winds.”
The worst of the Arctic spell hit parts of Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo and Donegal.
In Mayo and Galway, trees were brought down by the weight of snow, damaging power lines and leaving thousands of people without power.
Nationwide, more than 10,000 people lost power, the majority in Galway, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Cork and Kerry.
A number of schools were closed because of challenging travel conditions, while others delayed their opening time.
Cork County Council convened its severe weather assessment team, given the scale of snow and ice.
In Connacht, roads in parts of Galway and Mayo were left impassable.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and gardaí appealed to motorists to drive with extreme care given the treacherous conditions.
Elderly support groups have urged people to check on any vulnerable neighbours or relatives.
More to follow
