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Storm Ophelia: woman dies in south-east Ireland after tree falls on car - latest updates Storm Ophelia: second person killed in Ireland, police confirm - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
3.23pm BST
15:23
Matthew Holmes
Readers around Ireland and the UK have been getting in touch to share their experiences of the storm as it passes by where they live.Sam, in Timoleague, south-west of Cork, shared images of trees strewn across local roads, which he said were mostly deserted:
Conor Graham, in Cork, has described missile-like tiles flying off buildings and implores other readers to stay safe.
There are also multiple reports of that red-tinged sun – as experts have said debris from the storm is causing a haze in cities as far away as Chesterfield, Solihull and Surrey.
You can share your experiences using the form here or with the GuardianWitness contribute buttons on this page, but please think of your safety first when recording or sharing content.
Updated
at 3.28pm BST
3.18pm BST
15:18
360,000 homes without power
The Irish Republic’s Electricity Supply Board has said that 360,000 customers are now without power due to Storm Ophelia.
The energy supplier warned that more outages are expected and that repair operations could take several days. Meanwhile, power cuts are starting to happen in Northern Ireland, including at the Stormont Parliament, where Bill Clinton was meant to be visiting today.
3.14pm BST
15:14
Henry McDonald
An international photojournalist has contacted the Guardian with a graphic account of what it was like to be in an aircraft trying to land in Dublin in the middle of Storm Ophelia. You can see footage of another plane’s precarious landing in Dublin in an earlier update.
Writing from Aer Lingus plane after it just touched down a few minutes ago, Paulo Nunes Santos wanted to praise the female pilot who guided flight EI483 from Lisbon safely home.
Santos, originally from Portugal but who has lived in Dublin for 15 years, said:
I’ve been in hundreds, if not thousands of flights, but never experienced this level of turbulence.
We only started feeling it more or less as we started approaching via Cork. The pilot was great. The plane shook like mad and the approach to the runway was the worst I have experienced. But the pilot, she was brilliant.
Oddly there was no panic among the passengers. Every clapped and applauded the pilot, we were told her name is Niamh Jennings. You feel the huge sense of relief in the plane.
3.02pm BST
15:02
Irish Police have confirmed that a man in his 30s was killed while clearing a tree with a chain saw in Ballybrado, Tipperary.
Irish death toll in #Ophelia rises to 2. Police say Tipperary man in 30s mortally wounded by own chainsaw as he cleared a felled tree. pic.twitter.com/bIaim1f8Xw
2.58pm BST
14:58
Reports of a second death
There are reports of a second death from the storm. A man was killed trying to clear a tree with a chainsaw in Tipperary, according to the Irish Daily Mirror.
BREAKING: A man has been killed in Tipperary after trying to clear away a tree with a chainsaw. More to follow. #Ophelia
Second storm related death.@GardaTraffic report incident at Cahir, Co Tipp; man in his 30s killed clearing fallen trees.#Ophelia
Earlier a woman was killed when a tree landed on her car in county Waterford.
2.49pm BST2.49pm BST
14:4914:49
Seán Hassett said he filmed his parents’ wobbly flight landing at Dublin. “My heart was in my mouth,” he tweeted.Seán Hassett said he filmed his parents’ wobbly flight landing at Dublin. “My heart was in my mouth,” he tweeted.
My parents flight landing @DublinAirport, well done to the pilot of EI491, my heart was in my mouth! #ophelia pic.twitter.com/2EvzA1BKk6My parents flight landing @DublinAirport, well done to the pilot of EI491, my heart was in my mouth! #ophelia pic.twitter.com/2EvzA1BKk6
2.43pm BST2.43pm BST
14:4314:43
The Irish Coast Guard was called out to rescue kite surfers who got into difficulty off the coast of county Louth, north of Dublin.The Irish Coast Guard was called out to rescue kite surfers who got into difficulty off the coast of county Louth, north of Dublin.
CG, RNLI & R116 were tasked today to kite surfers in difficulty off Louth. We advise the public to stay away from the coast during #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/HkjNWQeBcRCG, RNLI & R116 were tasked today to kite surfers in difficulty off Louth. We advise the public to stay away from the coast during #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/HkjNWQeBcR
Police in Ireland are warning people to stay away from the coast.Police in Ireland are warning people to stay away from the coast.
Gardaí are requesting people to stay away from waterways, cliff walks etc. People are not heeding the warnings given. #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/U2Fm8vzuJ9Gardaí are requesting people to stay away from waterways, cliff walks etc. People are not heeding the warnings given. #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/U2Fm8vzuJ9
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.50pm BSTat 2.50pm BST
2.34pm BST2.34pm BST
14:3414:34
The Environment Agency has three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place for south west and north west England.The Environment Agency has three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place for south west and north west England.
Cumbria council has closed the Ford bridge in Burneside, near KendalCumbria council has closed the Ford bridge in Burneside, near Kendal
#StormOphelia #weatheraware #Cumbria EMERGENCY CLOSURE: Ford Bridge, Burneside nr Kendal for public safety. pic.twitter.com/qYXOL16mga#StormOphelia #weatheraware #Cumbria EMERGENCY CLOSURE: Ford Bridge, Burneside nr Kendal for public safety. pic.twitter.com/qYXOL16mga
2.29pm BST2.29pm BST
14:2914:29
More strange light is being reported across the UK.More strange light is being reported across the UK.
The sky is eerie. The end is nigh. pic.twitter.com/A1hKl3dxGpThe sky is eerie. The end is nigh. pic.twitter.com/A1hKl3dxGp
Has anyone seen the red sun phenomenon caused by Hurricane #Ophelia!? Quite an effect - captured here by @RJSYork pic.twitter.com/Of1y8cGvT3Has anyone seen the red sun phenomenon caused by Hurricane #Ophelia!? Quite an effect - captured here by @RJSYork pic.twitter.com/Of1y8cGvT3
#Sahara dust stopped play here at @TheAgeasBowl... 🌀 #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/5r8w4tI421#Sahara dust stopped play here at @TheAgeasBowl... 🌀 #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/5r8w4tI421
Going out on patrol and noticed how orange the sky and sun are. Gorse Hill SNT #opheliahurricane pic.twitter.com/rmBTPXJqYVGoing out on patrol and noticed how orange the sky and sun are. Gorse Hill SNT #opheliahurricane pic.twitter.com/rmBTPXJqYV
The sky is a weird yellowy/grey colour 😳#Ophelia is brewing, batten down the hatches!#TakeCareFolks ❤ pic.twitter.com/Kiqc01ZRGzThe sky is a weird yellowy/grey colour 😳#Ophelia is brewing, batten down the hatches!#TakeCareFolks ❤ pic.twitter.com/Kiqc01ZRGz
2.17pm BST2.17pm BST
14:1714:17
There are several reports of a strange dark orange light in northern England.There are several reports of a strange dark orange light in northern England.
Strange light. Very warm winds.#Ophelia pic.twitter.com/H8Nns73ewAStrange light. Very warm winds.#Ophelia pic.twitter.com/H8Nns73ewA
Bad light? 😳 #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/yJpk2kepJ4Bad light? 😳 #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/yJpk2kepJ4
Weather in Newcastle is so weird today. It's dark and the sky is like an orange-amber colour caused by this hurricane #ophelia #ballsWeather in Newcastle is so weird today. It's dark and the sky is like an orange-amber colour caused by this hurricane #ophelia #balls
Earlier today a red looking sun was seen in many parts of England. The light is caused by particulates thrown up by the storm, according to experts.Earlier today a red looking sun was seen in many parts of England. The light is caused by particulates thrown up by the storm, according to experts.
2.11pm BST2.11pm BST
14:1114:11
All trains cancelled in IrelandAll trains cancelled in Ireland
Irish Rail has cancelled all trains for the rest of the day.Irish Rail has cancelled all trains for the rest of the day.
No more train departures on any line on our network for rest of day. If safe to do so, all routes resume Tues 17 Oct https://t.co/ZOHwurtrN3 pic.twitter.com/nOinrxfZFINo more train departures on any line on our network for rest of day. If safe to do so, all routes resume Tues 17 Oct https://t.co/ZOHwurtrN3 pic.twitter.com/nOinrxfZFI
2.07pm BST2.07pm BST
14:0714:07
Schools in Pembrokeshire closeSchools in Pembrokeshire close
All schools in Pembrokeshire on the west of Wales coast have been closed, as disruption from Ophelia spreads to the UK.All schools in Pembrokeshire on the west of Wales coast have been closed, as disruption from Ophelia spreads to the UK.
At least four downed trees are causing traffic problems in the county, the council said.At least four downed trees are causing traffic problems in the county, the council said.
Around 200 homes are without power in the Eglwyswrw area, including the school which had to close early. The council decided to close all of its schools at 1pm.Around 200 homes are without power in the Eglwyswrw area, including the school which had to close early. The council decided to close all of its schools at 1pm.
1.52pm BST1.52pm BST
13:5213:52
The number of homes and businesses without power has almost doubled to 230,000, according to RTE.The number of homes and businesses without power has almost doubled to 230,000, according to RTE.
230,000 homes and businesses without power #ophelia230,000 homes and businesses without power #ophelia
Power cuts are no longer confined to the south-west of Ireland. Around a thousand homes are without power in Cong in County Mayo.Power cuts are no longer confined to the south-west of Ireland. Around a thousand homes are without power in Cong in County Mayo.
Approx 1,000 homes without power in Cong #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/CqjdUEWczxApprox 1,000 homes without power in Cong #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/CqjdUEWczx
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.00pm BSTat 2.00pm BST
1.47pm BST1.47pm BST
13:4713:47
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
The violent winds caused by Storm Ophelia has affected the filming of Game of Thrones.The violent winds caused by Storm Ophelia has affected the filming of Game of Thrones.
Set building for the cult television series, a large part of which is filmed in Northern Ireland, has been suspended due to the storm.Set building for the cult television series, a large part of which is filmed in Northern Ireland, has been suspended due to the storm.
Filming on the new Superman prequel series Krypton, which is also being shot in the region, has also been halted for the day due to safety fears.Filming on the new Superman prequel series Krypton, which is also being shot in the region, has also been halted for the day due to safety fears.
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.03pm BSTat 2.03pm BST
1.45pm BST
13:45
The storm has ripped off roofs in Cork, according to dramatic footage and photographs.
Dramatic footage of the roof being blown off #Douglas Community School's gym on southside of #Cork city #Ophelia #iestaff pic.twitter.com/0dSw5w1rTj
#Ophelia blows the roof off a school in Cork. https://t.co/cvrRveXJsQ
.@CorkCityFC roof lifting at their home ground in Turner's Cross #Cork #Ophelia https://t.co/0Y8tcjD0LV
Roof of Cork City's football stadium blows off as Ophelia batters south of Ireland https://t.co/szvfgPnIWP pic.twitter.com/KdYvim9hcH
1.35pm BST
13:35
The fatal accident occurred in Aglish in west Waterford around 11.40am.
The victim is a woman in her 20s and was travelling in the car with another woman who was also hurt. Reports from the county say the limb of a tree pierced the windscreen of the vehicle during the storm.
The woman was taken to Waterford University hospital but was pronounced dead before arriving. A woman in the car with her was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
#Garda statement on Aglish death. #ophelia pic.twitter.com/0WjqzNW147
Updated
at 2.01pm BST
1.29pm BST
13:29
What we know so far
A woman has been killed in Waterford, south-east Ireland as Tropical Storm Ophelia batters Ireland with winds of more than 100mph. Waterford council said the woman was killed when high winds brought down a tree on her car in Aglish.
At least 120,000 homes and businesses are without power amid scores of reports of fallen trees and power lines. The main electricity supplier warned that it expects more to lose power by the end of the day and disruption could last all week.
The Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, issued a personal appeal for citizens of the Republic to remain indoors. He described the impact of Ophelia on Ireland as a “national emergency”.
Bill Clinton’s visit to Belfast was cancelled because of the storm. The former US president was due to meet political parties represented in the Stormont parliament to urge them to find a way to restore the power-sharing government. Government buildings in Northern Ireland have been closed.
The Met Office has extended an amber weather warning to parts of Scotland, Wales and northern England with winds threatening power cuts and falling debris. A series of flood alerts and warnings are in place for south west and north west England. Planes have been grounded at Manchester airport, with 20 flights cancelled and passengers warned to check ahead before travelling to the airport.
Waves of up to 27ft high were recorded at sea as a rare warning for hurricane-force 12 winds was issued for shipping areas south of Ireland.
Updated
at 1.51pm BST
1.12pm BST
13:12
The Irish Times has confirmed the death of a woman in a car in county Waterford.
A tree fell on the car in Aglish, Co Waterford this morning in which she was the only occupant, according to a spokeswoman for Waterford County Council.
1.07pm BST
13:07
In its latest update the electricity supplier ESB said 120,000 customers are without power.
It said:
120,000 customers, predominantly in southern counties are left without power
Majority of customers currently without electricity will be without supply overnight
Crews across the country are in the process of responding to electricity outages, once it is safe to do so
Customers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional
12.56pm BST
12:56
Damian Carrington
An increase in hurricane-force winds wreaking havoc across the Britain and Ireland is entirely consistent with global warming, according to scientists.
A warmer world means more energy in the climate system, especially in the oceans, which is where big storms derive their energy from.
“There is evidence that hurricane-force storms hitting the UK, like Ophelia, will be enhanced in the future due to human-induced climate change,” said Dr Dann Mitchell, at the University of Bristol. “While tropical hurricanes lose strength when they travel north, they can re-intensify due to the nature of the atmospheric circulation at UK latitudes. It is the rise in temperatures over most of the Atlantic that is a primary driver of this, a clear signature of human-induced climate change.”
In May, a report found that even the minimum global warming expected - an increase of 1.5C - is projected to increase the cost of windstorm destruction by more than a third in parts of the UK. If climate change heats the world even further, broken roofs and damaged buildings are likely to increase by over 50% across a swathe of the nation, the report found. Northern Ireland, facing Hurricane Ophelia on Monday, is the worst affected region of the UK.
However, the high winds battering the west coasts are not highly unusual, according to Julian Heming, tropical prediction scientist at the UK Met Office, said: “Wind gusts of up to 80mph are expected over the UK from ex-hurricane Ophelia. This kind of wind strength is not unusual for an autumn/winter storm in the UK. For example, four of the five named storms affecting the UK in 2016 recorded wind gusts in excess of 80 mph.”
The Met Office said that while unusual for hurricanes to impact the UK, it’s not unprecedented with Gordon impacting the UK in 2006 and Grace in 2009.
Updated
at 1.01pm BST
12.55pm BST
12:55
Woman reported killed in Waterford
The broadcaster RTE is reporting that a woman has been killed by fallen tree in Waterford
Woman killed by falling tree in Waterford - first casualty of #Ophelia
Waterford council confirmed one fatality in Aglish in the south-west of the county.
"Waterford Council have confirmed one fatality in an incident Aglish" Co Waterford @damienrte tells #TodaySOR now #Ophelia
Updated
at 1.45pm BST
12.48pm BST
12:48
Government buildings in Northern Ireland are to close at 1pm, PA reports.
The head of the Northern Ireland civil service, David Sterling, held an emergency meeting with the permanent secretaries from all government departments on Monday morning.
It was decided that all government buildings providing non-essential services close at 1pm and all non-essential civil service staff will leave work at that time.
Guidance is to be issued later about school opening arrangements for Tuesday.
Updated
at 12.57pm BST
12.43pm BST
12:43
Here’s our news story rounding up the latest on the storm.
12.35pm BST
12:35
These before and after stills show trees uprooted by the storm.
Images from our Roches Point weather webcam.Trees are coming down.Roches Point has a mean wind speed of 111km/hGusts of 156km/h#Ophelia pic.twitter.com/NEsTvuob6M