Storm Chandra has unleashed severe weather conditions across the entire island of Ireland, leading to widespread disruption, school closures, and significant power outages affecting tens of thousands of properties. The storm, characterised by powerful winds and torrential rainfall, has prompted multiple weather warnings and created hazardous travel conditions with reports of flooded roads and fallen trees.
Northern Ireland Grapples with Storm Impact
In Northern Ireland, the storm's fury has resulted in substantial operational challenges. More than 300 schools have been forced to close their doors as a precautionary measure against the dangerous conditions. A yellow rainfall alert remains active for all six counties, while an amber warning for wind is in effect until 9pm specifically for Antrim, Down, and Derry, with the yellow rain warning extending until midnight.
Transport and Infrastructure Disruption
The travel network has been severely affected, with at least 30 flights cancelled at Belfast City Airport on Tuesday alone. Translink has issued advisories urging passengers to anticipate delays and potential journey disruptions. Additionally, the Strangford Lough Ferry Service has been suspended indefinitely, with crews standing by to resume operations only when safety can be assured.
Northern Ireland Electricity reported that power outages peaked at 9am, leaving approximately 10,000 properties without electricity. Police authorities have noted that persistent rainfall has already caused flooding on numerous roads, exacerbating travel difficulties. The Met Office has forecast that the poor weather will persist into Wednesday morning, issuing a yellow-level warning for ice across all of Northern Ireland between 3am and 10am.
Republic of Ireland Faces Similar Challenges
The Republic of Ireland is confronting parallel issues as Storm Chandra sweeps across the region. ESB, the electricity supply board, indicated that around 20,000 homes, farms, and businesses have lost power due to the storm's intensity. Emergency services have been actively responding to incidents, with Dublin Fire Brigade tackling multiple flooding events within the city.
Emergency Incidents and Warnings
In a notable rescue operation in Dundalk, firefighters successfully saved two crew members from an ambulance that became trapped in floodwater under the Castletown Road railway bridge at approximately 6am. Weather warnings remain stringent, with a Status Yellow rain alert active for Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford until 11pm, and the entire country under a Status Yellow wind warning.
Transport services are experiencing significant interruptions; Iarnrod Eireann has reported disruptions to Dart services, and several ferry sailings between Dublin and Holyhead have been cancelled. Dublin Airport has also warned that flight cancellations are a possibility, adding to the travel chaos.
Public Safety Advisories
Authorities across both jurisdictions have issued stark warnings to the public, highlighting numerous hazards including:
- Danger to life from flying debris
- Large and dangerous waves along coastal areas
- Extensive travel disruption and road closures
- Potential damage to buildings and infrastructure
- Widespread flooding and fallen trees
- Possible prolonged power cuts
The situation remains fluid as emergency services and utility companies work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure public safety amidst the ongoing storm conditions.
