Powerful Winds from Storm Agnes Rip Roof off Building in Cork, Causes Travel Disruption, Power Outages

Powerful Winds from Storm Agnes Rip Roof off Building in Cork, Causes Travel Disruption, Power Outages

Agnes Arrives with a Bang

Storm Agnes, the first named storm of the season, has caused widespread disruptions and damage across Ireland, leading to travel issues, power outages, and general chaos. Travel, in particular, has been severely affected with flights and ferries experiencing significant delays and cancellations across major airports, including Dublin, Cork, and Belfast. Irish Ferries have issued a warning to passengers of potential schedule disruptions due to the adverse weather conditions.

Response and Precautions

Authorities have been on high alert in response to the storm, with Kerry County Council handling the aftermath of fallen trees and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland urging road users to exercise caution. County Councils and local authorities are working to mitigate the impact of the storm, but strike action may affect the response to the storm damage. Power cuts are a significant concern, with ESB networks already reporting faults in several counties.

Weather Warnings and Forecast

Weather warnings have been issued across large areas of both the Republic and Northern Ireland, with the storm forecasted to continue until Thursday morning. Parts of Cork, Kerry, and Waterford are expected to receive almost 40mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours, making flooding likely, particularly in coastal areas. The storm is anticipated to peak between 10 am and 3 pm, and its dangers are increased due to heavy road usage during this period. This situation is further complicated by the fact that many trees, already in full leaf, have a reduced ability to cope with such high winds, leading to numerous reports of fallen trees.

Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage

Thousands of customers are now without electricity as fallen trees and flying debris have damaged power lines. The most significant impact has been in Cork, with interruptions recorded in several areas. There have also been reports of a roof being ripped off a building in Youghal due to the high winds. ESB Networks has assured that while repair crews are on standby, reconnections will only begin when it is safe to commence repair work.

Impact on Travel and Outdoor Attractions

Cork Airport has issued an appeal for any passengers intending to travel to the airport to exercise caution. Numerous flights have been delayed at Cork Airport due to the storm. A number of major outdoor attractions have also decided to close given the Status Orange alerts. For instance, Fota Wildlife Park has announced its closure as a precautionary measure, prioritizing the safety of visitors, animals, and staff.

Storm Agnes’ Path of Destruction

Moving beyond Ireland, Storm Agnes is expected to track northwards, causing disruption in affected areas before clearing towards Scotland. A Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Northern Ireland, lasting overnight, while there is also an Orange storm warning in place until 7 pm for the southeast. The Met Office has warned this could lead to an increased risk of flooding as the storm continues to push north and east.

Conclusion

The havoc of Storm Agnes serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and caution during severe weather events. As affected areas continue to deal with the aftermath of the storm, it is hoped that the response from authorities and the public’s adherence to safety advisories will minimize the impact of the storm.