This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41627442
The article has changed 37 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Next version
Version 19 | Version 20 |
---|---|
Hurricane Ophelia: Thousands lose power as storm hits Ireland | Hurricane Ophelia: Thousands lose power as storm hits Ireland |
(35 minutes later) | |
Thousands are without power in southern Ireland as the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia reach the British Isles. | Thousands are without power in southern Ireland as the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia reach the British Isles. |
The Met Office has warned of "potential danger to life", with winds off the south coast of Ireland reaching 109mph (176km/h) at Fastnet Rock. | The Met Office has warned of "potential danger to life", with winds off the south coast of Ireland reaching 109mph (176km/h) at Fastnet Rock. |
In the Republic of Ireland, Met Eireann has issued a red wind warning and the government has deployed the army. | In the Republic of Ireland, Met Eireann has issued a red wind warning and the government has deployed the army. |
An amber warning for Northern Ireland, Wales, south west Scotland and the Isle of Man is in force until 23:00 BST. | |
A yellow warning of "very windy weather" also covers parts of Scotland, the west and north of England and Wales. | A yellow warning of "very windy weather" also covers parts of Scotland, the west and north of England and Wales. |
Ophelia is on its way from the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean and it comes 30 years after the UK's Great Storm of 1987. | Ophelia is on its way from the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean and it comes 30 years after the UK's Great Storm of 1987. |
The BBC's Ireland correspondent, Chris Page, said it would be the most severe storm to hit Ireland in half a century. | The BBC's Ireland correspondent, Chris Page, said it would be the most severe storm to hit Ireland in half a century. |
More than 100,000 homes in the Republic of Ireland are without power and ESB Networks has warned it could be several days before it is restored. | |
Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ophelia was a dangerous storm and advised people to stay indoors until the storm had passed. | |
The Irish Republic's Met Eireann said the storm is forecast to travel north over western parts of Ireland, with "violent and destructive gusts" of 75mph to 93mph (120 km/h to 150km/h) expected countrywide. | |
"There is a danger to life and property," a statement said. | "There is a danger to life and property," a statement said. |
The Met Office said there was a "good chance" Northern Ireland could be hit on Monday afternoon by power cuts, flying debris, large waves in coastal areas and disruption to all travel services. | The Met Office said there was a "good chance" Northern Ireland could be hit on Monday afternoon by power cuts, flying debris, large waves in coastal areas and disruption to all travel services. |
In England, three flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - have been issued in the South West, and there are 13 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - across other parts of the country. | In England, three flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - have been issued in the South West, and there are 13 flood alerts - meaning flooding is possible - across other parts of the country. |
The latest developments are: | The latest developments are: |
Former US President Bill Clinton has cancelled a trip to Belfast because of the weather. | Former US President Bill Clinton has cancelled a trip to Belfast because of the weather. |
It is understood he was due to meet Northern Ireland's political parties over the current stalemate at Stormont. | It is understood he was due to meet Northern Ireland's political parties over the current stalemate at Stormont. |
Three battalions of soldiers - 1,200 personnel in total - are on permanent standby to deal with major incidents in the UK, but the Ministry of Defence said no specific requests had yet been made of them by local authorities. | Three battalions of soldiers - 1,200 personnel in total - are on permanent standby to deal with major incidents in the UK, but the Ministry of Defence said no specific requests had yet been made of them by local authorities. |
Ophelia has been downgraded to a category one hurricane by the US National Hurricane Center and is forecast to continue gradually weakening. | Ophelia has been downgraded to a category one hurricane by the US National Hurricane Center and is forecast to continue gradually weakening. |
BBC Weather said Monday would be a "day of huge contrasts" with the strong gusts of wind travelling over the Irish Sea and heading north to central and southern Scotland, sparing eastern parts of the UK. | BBC Weather said Monday would be a "day of huge contrasts" with the strong gusts of wind travelling over the Irish Sea and heading north to central and southern Scotland, sparing eastern parts of the UK. |
Eastern England is instead expected to enjoy unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures of 22C or 23C on Monday - compared with an average for mid-October of 15C. | Eastern England is instead expected to enjoy unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures of 22C or 23C on Monday - compared with an average for mid-October of 15C. |
Highs of 24C were recorded in the region on Saturday as some parts of the country basked in a "mini heatwave" thanks to warm air brought by Hurricane Ophelia. | Highs of 24C were recorded in the region on Saturday as some parts of the country basked in a "mini heatwave" thanks to warm air brought by Hurricane Ophelia. |
Ophelia set the record for the most easterly category three hurricane in the Atlantic. | Ophelia set the record for the most easterly category three hurricane in the Atlantic. |
Category three hurricanes are defined as having wind speeds of between 111mph (179km/h) and 129mph (208km/h) and can cause major damage to well-built homes. | Category three hurricanes are defined as having wind speeds of between 111mph (179km/h) and 129mph (208km/h) and can cause major damage to well-built homes. |
Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning | Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning |
Are you affected by Hurricane Ophelia? E-mail your stories and pictures to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | Are you affected by Hurricane Ophelia? E-mail your stories and pictures to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk |
You can also contact us in the following ways: | You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below | Or use the form below |