Storm Chandra Causes Widespread Disruption Across Ireland
Forecasters have issued warnings of possible further disruption as Storm Chandra continues to track across Ireland on Tuesday evening. The storm has already brought severe flooding, power cuts, and significant travel chaos to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Weather Warnings and Immediate Impact
Wind and rain warnings remain in place across the island. In Northern Ireland, an amber wind warning was active until 9pm for Antrim, Down, and Derry, with a yellow rain warning for all six counties until midnight. The Republic of Ireland has a nationwide Status Yellow wind warning and a rain warning for south-eastern counties until 11pm.
The public has been alerted to multiple hazards, including:
- Danger to life from flying debris
- Large waves at coastal areas
- Significant travel disruption
- Damage to buildings and infrastructure
- Widespread flooding
- Fallen trees blocking roads
- Possible power cuts affecting thousands
Power Outages and School Closures
The storm has left tens of thousands without electricity. Northern Ireland Electricity reported that power outages peaked at 10,000 properties at 9am on Tuesday. In the Republic, ESB confirmed approximately 20,000 homes, farms, and businesses lost power due to the severe conditions.
Education has been severely disrupted, with hundreds of schools forced to close. In Northern Ireland alone, more than 300 schools remained shut as the storm passed through.
Travel Chaos Across Transport Networks
Travel disruption has been extensive, with flooded roads and fallen trees reported across the island. Key transport services have been affected:
- At least 30 flights cancelled at Belfast City Airport
- Around 20 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport
- Strangford Lough Ferry Service suspended until safe to resume
- Disruptions to Dart services reported by Iarnrod Eireann
- Several ferry sailings cancelled between Dublin and Holyhead
Translink has warned passengers to expect delays, while police reported persistent rain causing flooding on numerous roads.
Severe Flooding Incidents
Enniscorthy in County Wexford has been particularly badly hit after the River Slaney burst its banks. This marks the sixteenth time the town has flooded since 2001. Local grandmother Elaine Grant described how she, her daughter Casey, and her three-week-old grandson were rescued from a flooded apartment by Slaney Search and Rescue.
"The baby slept the whole way through," she told RTE Radio, while calling for Government measures to address the town's ongoing flood problems. In response, the Government has announced an Emergency Response Payment to support affected residents in County Wexford.
Other flooding incidents include:
- Dublin Fire Brigade responding to multiple flooding incidents after the River Dodder burst its banks
- Firefighters in Dundalk rescuing two ambulance crew members trapped in floodwater under the Castletown Road railway bridge around 6am
Continuing Weather Threats
The poor weather is expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with the Met Office issuing a yellow-level ice warning for all of Northern Ireland between 3am and 10am. Met Eireann forecaster Matthew Martin confirmed that Storm Chandra would continue tracking northwards on Tuesday, with unsettled conditions persisting throughout the week.
"There is a potential for further travel disruption and flooding tonight," Martin warned, indicating that the situation may deteriorate before improving.
Dublin Airport authorities have cautioned that with strong winds expected to continue, further flight disruptions remain possible not only in Ireland but across Europe and the UK.
