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Storm Ophelia: third person killed in Ireland, police confirm - latest updates Storm Ophelia: third person killed in Ireland, police confirm - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
7.19pm BST
19:19
Here’s a video Jon Williams of RTÉ News has posted on Twitter showing trees felled by the storm in Cork.
Perhaps most extraordinary image of #Ophelia: trees felled by storm near #Cork’s #GAA stadium, Páirc Uí Chaoimh. pic.twitter.com/OTMNqbtMNE
7.17pm BST
19:17
Age UK is urging people to check on older family members and friends during the storm and make sure they are safe and comfortable.
As Hurricane #Ophelia hits our shores, please check on older family & friends that they are safe & comfortable. RT. https://t.co/n214RV3RlE
Updated
at 7.19pm BST
6.56pm BST6.56pm BST
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Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Although the Irish Defence Forces have been deployed through the day to help with flood defences and rescue missions across Ireland one of its units had to cancel training due to Ophelia.Although the Irish Defence Forces have been deployed through the day to help with flood defences and rescue missions across Ireland one of its units had to cancel training due to Ophelia.
Its 11th Infantry Battalion has had to call off an exercise to prepare them for often dangerous UN peacekeeping duties in Lebanon. Their Missing Readiness Exercise puts commanders and soldiers through a series of scenarios based on threats in the South Lebanon region. Its 11th Infantry Battalion has had to call off an exercise to prepare them for UN peacekeeping duties in Lebanon. Their mission readiness exercise puts commanders and soldiers through a series of scenarios based on threats in the South Lebanon region.
Troops were to be asked to secure, extract and evacuate personnel involved in a complex attack. However due to the storm tomorrow’s exercise in the Glen of Imal has been cancelled. Troops were to be asked to secure, extract and evacuate personnel involved in a complex attack. However due to the storm, tomorrow’s exercise in the Glen of Imaal has been cancelled.
Updated
at 7.19pm BST
6.52pm BST6.52pm BST
18:5218:52
A charity has warned those with severe asthma to check forecasts and stay indoors where possible to avoid the dust.A charity has warned those with severe asthma to check forecasts and stay indoors where possible to avoid the dust.
Toxic air could be a risk to people with asthma. If you have severe asthma check weather forecasts & stay indoors if possible #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/JuvlKIQ0eEToxic air could be a risk to people with asthma. If you have severe asthma check weather forecasts & stay indoors if possible #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/JuvlKIQ0eE
Sonia Munde, head of the helpline at Asthma UK, said:Sonia Munde, head of the helpline at Asthma UK, said:
We are deeply concerned about the toxic air from Saharan dust that Hurricane Ophelia has churned up, as this could pose a severe risk for the 5.4 million people in the UK who have asthma. Winds picking up dust and particles in the air could trigger potentially fatal asthma attacks.We are deeply concerned about the toxic air from Saharan dust that Hurricane Ophelia has churned up, as this could pose a severe risk for the 5.4 million people in the UK who have asthma. Winds picking up dust and particles in the air could trigger potentially fatal asthma attacks.
6.45pm BST6.45pm BST
18:4518:45
About 16,000 customers are without electricity in Northern Ireland. That number is expected to rise as winds continue to strengthen.About 16,000 customers are without electricity in Northern Ireland. That number is expected to rise as winds continue to strengthen.
Here is a map Northern Ireland Electricity has produced outlining the areas where there are power outages this evening.Here is a map Northern Ireland Electricity has produced outlining the areas where there are power outages this evening.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.52pm BSTat 6.52pm BST
6.26pm BST6.26pm BST
18:2618:26
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
A member of the ruling Fine Gael party in the second chamber of the Irish parliament believes Ireland will be entitled to financial aid to help with reconstruction in the aftermath of Ophelia.A member of the ruling Fine Gael party in the second chamber of the Irish parliament believes Ireland will be entitled to financial aid to help with reconstruction in the aftermath of Ophelia.
Senator Neale Richmond said the EU Solidarity Fund should be accessed. The fund was established by the EU in 2002 following severe floods in Central Europe. Since then it has been used to help out in disasters such as forest fires, floods and even earthquakes.Senator Neale Richmond said the EU Solidarity Fund should be accessed. The fund was established by the EU in 2002 following severe floods in Central Europe. Since then it has been used to help out in disasters such as forest fires, floods and even earthquakes.
Richmond said:Richmond said:
Given the huge amount of damage inflicted across the country by Hurricane Ophelia, Ireland will be eligible for such funds.Given the huge amount of damage inflicted across the country by Hurricane Ophelia, Ireland will be eligible for such funds.
Any application has to be received by the European commission within 12 weeks of any disaster occurring.Any application has to be received by the European commission within 12 weeks of any disaster occurring.
This not a rapid response tool but it will be vital to the post storm recovery and I have no doubt the government will apply to draw down these funds once the initial emergency and relief measures are attended to.This not a rapid response tool but it will be vital to the post storm recovery and I have no doubt the government will apply to draw down these funds once the initial emergency and relief measures are attended to.
The interesting question will be whether Northern Ireland could apply to the same European fund via the Westminster government even as Theresa May negotiates the UK’s exit from the EU.The interesting question will be whether Northern Ireland could apply to the same European fund via the Westminster government even as Theresa May negotiates the UK’s exit from the EU.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.59pm BSTat 6.59pm BST
6.07pm BST6.07pm BST
18:0718:07
All schools across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are to remain closed on Tuesday as the authorities deal with the aftermath of Storm Ophelia.All schools across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are to remain closed on Tuesday as the authorities deal with the aftermath of Storm Ophelia.
The decision was taken to “avoid any potential risk to life for children and staff” after severe winds caused widespread damage to the electricity network, structural damage and uprooted trees.The decision was taken to “avoid any potential risk to life for children and staff” after severe winds caused widespread damage to the electricity network, structural damage and uprooted trees.
Richard Bruton, Ireland’s eduction minister, said over 350,000 businesses and homes are already without power, severe winds continue to cause damage and many roads are closed due to fallen trees. Richard Bruton, Ireland’s education minister, said over 350,000 businesses and homes are already without power, severe winds continue to cause damage and many roads are closed due to fallen trees.
He said:He said:
It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open.It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open.
Bruton admitted that the decision to close schools “will have a major impact on families and on the workforce.”Bruton admitted that the decision to close schools “will have a major impact on families and on the workforce.”
He added, however: “This decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned.”He added, however: “This decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned.”
Following careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group, the Department of Education and Skills, has decided that all schools will remain closed tomorrow #OpheliaFollowing careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group, the Department of Education and Skills, has decided that all schools will remain closed tomorrow #Ophelia
He said his department will issue guidance to schools in relation to making up lost days.He said his department will issue guidance to schools in relation to making up lost days.
In relation to further and higher education Bruton said it was up to individual institutions to decide whether to open.In relation to further and higher education Bruton said it was up to individual institutions to decide whether to open.
In Northern Ireland, the Education Department said schools have been advised to remain closed. The decision was taken following a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group, after the Met Office advised them on “the prolonged nature and potential severity of the storm”. In Northern Ireland, the education department said schools have been advised to remain closed. The decision was taken following a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Group, after the Met Office advised it on “the prolonged nature and potential severity of the storm”.
@Education_NI confirm schools should remain closed on Tuesday 17 October 2017 https://t.co/Hbqxfhzg7l #Ophelia@Education_NI confirm schools should remain closed on Tuesday 17 October 2017 https://t.co/Hbqxfhzg7l #Ophelia
Derek Baker, permanent secretary, said:Derek Baker, permanent secretary, said:
I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.I fully appreciate this decision will impact on the work of the schools and indeed on other businesses and services but the decision has been taken to avoid any potential risk to life for children and young people as well as staff.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.10pm BST at 7.00pm BST
5.44pm BST5.44pm BST
17:4417:44
The Irish government have announced emergency measures to keep the street homeless safe during Storm Ophelia.The Irish government have announced emergency measures to keep the street homeless safe during Storm Ophelia.
Homeless people in Dublin are being picked up by buses and brought indoors and over 200 emergency bed spaces have been sourced in the city area.Homeless people in Dublin are being picked up by buses and brought indoors and over 200 emergency bed spaces have been sourced in the city area.
Minister @EoghanMurphy provides update on homelessness services during Storm #Ophelia https://t.co/4IA3Lm62LR @HousingPress pic.twitter.com/WZlQvyyak7Minister @EoghanMurphy provides update on homelessness services during Storm #Ophelia https://t.co/4IA3Lm62LR @HousingPress pic.twitter.com/WZlQvyyak7
MerrionStreet, the Irish government’s news service says the priority across Ireland continues to be ensuring that any homeless person will have access to shelter during Storm Ophelia.MerrionStreet, the Irish government’s news service says the priority across Ireland continues to be ensuring that any homeless person will have access to shelter during Storm Ophelia.
Across the country rough sleepers are being supported by charities and local authorities who are picking them by taxi and taking them to shelter.Across the country rough sleepers are being supported by charities and local authorities who are picking them by taxi and taking them to shelter.
A statement said:A statement said:
Additional facilities providing shelter and supports to those who need them have opened up across the country today. Notices have been posted in relation to the extra facilities, cafes and emergency beds that are available in the system.Additional facilities providing shelter and supports to those who need them have opened up across the country today. Notices have been posted in relation to the extra facilities, cafes and emergency beds that are available in the system.
There have been over 100 calls to the emergency lines and to the rough sleeper email address from concerned members of the public in relation to homeless individuals. These have all been followed up on.There have been over 100 calls to the emergency lines and to the rough sleeper email address from concerned members of the public in relation to homeless individuals. These have all been followed up on.
Eoghan Murphy, minister for housing, planning and local government, indicated that he will continue to keep matters under review and confirmed that he is making all the required supports and resources available to local authorities to ensure the safety of Ireland’s homeless and rough sleepers.Eoghan Murphy, minister for housing, planning and local government, indicated that he will continue to keep matters under review and confirmed that he is making all the required supports and resources available to local authorities to ensure the safety of Ireland’s homeless and rough sleepers.
5.20pm BST5.20pm BST
17:2017:20
This is Nicola Slawson taking over from Haroon. Thanks for joining us. I’ll be keeping you up to date throughout the evening.This is Nicola Slawson taking over from Haroon. Thanks for joining us. I’ll be keeping you up to date throughout the evening.
A number of flights to UK airports have been diverted after “smoke smells” were reported on board, the Press Association reports.A number of flights to UK airports have been diverted after “smoke smells” were reported on board, the Press Association reports.
EasyJet said four of its flights were diverted due to “atmospheric circumstances” while a British Airways spokeswoman said the carrier has had “some reports of smells on board” but the aircraft continued to their destinations.EasyJet said four of its flights were diverted due to “atmospheric circumstances” while a British Airways spokeswoman said the carrier has had “some reports of smells on board” but the aircraft continued to their destinations.
Five full emergency landings at London Heathrow today with smell of smoke in the cockpit due to dust from Sahara and Iberia Fires 🛬Five full emergency landings at London Heathrow today with smell of smoke in the cockpit due to dust from Sahara and Iberia Fires 🛬
Liverpool John Lennon Airport stated that “atmospheric conditions” are believed to be causing flights to divert.Liverpool John Lennon Airport stated that “atmospheric conditions” are believed to be causing flights to divert.
An easyJet spokeswoman said: “EasyJet can confirm that four of its flights flying in the west of the UK have reported smoke smells in the cockpit today, believed to be linked to atmospheric circumstances due to storm Ophelia.An easyJet spokeswoman said: “EasyJet can confirm that four of its flights flying in the west of the UK have reported smoke smells in the cockpit today, believed to be linked to atmospheric circumstances due to storm Ophelia.
Two flights returned shortly after take-off and two flights requested an expedited landing as a precaution only. We understand other airlines have experienced similar events and we continue to liaise with the Met Office as to the likely cause. The safety and welfare of our passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience experienced by the diversions.Two flights returned shortly after take-off and two flights requested an expedited landing as a precaution only. We understand other airlines have experienced similar events and we continue to liaise with the Met Office as to the likely cause. The safety and welfare of our passengers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience experienced by the diversions.
BA said in a statement:BA said in a statement:
The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority. Our flights have been operating and landing normally, but we have been liaising with the Met Office about atmospheric conditions.The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority. Our flights have been operating and landing normally, but we have been liaising with the Met Office about atmospheric conditions.
UpdatedUpdated
at 5.21pm BSTat 5.21pm BST
5.04pm BST5.04pm BST
17:0417:04
What we know so far:What we know so far:
Three people have been killed as tropical storm Ophelia batters Ireland with winds of more than 100mph. Waterford council said a woman was killed when high winds brought down a tree on her car in Aglish. A man in his early 30s died after an accident with his chainsaw while trying to clear a fallen tree in Ballybrado, Tipperary. Another man died in Ravensdale, near Dundalk, close to the border with Northern Ireland, when a tree struck his car.Three people have been killed as tropical storm Ophelia batters Ireland with winds of more than 100mph. Waterford council said a woman was killed when high winds brought down a tree on her car in Aglish. A man in his early 30s died after an accident with his chainsaw while trying to clear a fallen tree in Ballybrado, Tipperary. Another man died in Ravensdale, near Dundalk, close to the border with Northern Ireland, when a tree struck his car.
At least 360,000 electricity customers are without power amid scores of reports of fallen trees and power lines. The network operator warned that the majority of those already affected would be without power tonight and 5% to 10% could be without electricity for up to 10 days. Northern Ireland was also affected, with 18,000 customers suffering a loss of power, including the Stormont parliament.At least 360,000 electricity customers are without power amid scores of reports of fallen trees and power lines. The network operator warned that the majority of those already affected would be without power tonight and 5% to 10% could be without electricity for up to 10 days. Northern Ireland was also affected, with 18,000 customers suffering a loss of power, including the Stormont parliament.
The force of Ophelia was such that it blew roofs of buildings in Cork. Douglas Community school saw the roof of its gym ripped off and the roof of Cork City football club’s stadium collapsed. A gust of 118mph was recorded off the coast of Ireland.The force of Ophelia was such that it blew roofs of buildings in Cork. Douglas Community school saw the roof of its gym ripped off and the roof of Cork City football club’s stadium collapsed. A gust of 118mph was recorded off the coast of Ireland.
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”.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”.
All schools in the Republic of Ireland will remain closed tomorrow in the interests of “child safety”, the education minister announced. The Northern Ireland department of education followed suit. Cork airport said no more flights would be departing today, while public transport in the Republic of Ireland will not be resuming until 5am on Tuesday at the earliest.All schools in the Republic of Ireland will remain closed tomorrow in the interests of “child safety”, the education minister announced. The Northern Ireland department of education followed suit. Cork airport said no more flights would be departing today, while public transport in the Republic of Ireland will not be resuming until 5am on Tuesday at the earliest.
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.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.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.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.
Parts of the UK were covered by an eerie red/orange sky. Experts said the hue was caused by Hurricane Ophelia dragging in tropical air and dust from the Sahara.Parts of the UK were covered by an eerie red/orange sky. Experts said the hue was caused by Hurricane Ophelia dragging in tropical air and dust from the Sahara.
5.02pm BST5.02pm BST
17:0217:02
The number of customers without electricity in Northern Ireland has soared.The number of customers without electricity in Northern Ireland has soared.
NIE says 18,000 customers are currently without power in NI amid Storm Ophelia: https://t.co/zaiu6VXPEuNIE says 18,000 customers are currently without power in NI amid Storm Ophelia: https://t.co/zaiu6VXPEu
4.45pm BST4.45pm BST
16:4516:45
The department of education in Northern Ireland has followed in the footsteps of its southern Irish counterpart by instructing all schools to close tomorrow.The department of education in Northern Ireland has followed in the footsteps of its southern Irish counterpart by instructing all schools to close tomorrow.
@Education_NI has announced that all schools should close tomorrow (Monday 16 October) as precautionary measure in light of weather warnings@Education_NI has announced that all schools should close tomorrow (Monday 16 October) as precautionary measure in light of weather warnings
4.37pm BST4.37pm BST
16:3716:37
The latest official update warns that storm Ophelia will “bring further violent and destructive winds for a time, with gusts of 120 and 150km/h”, as well as flooding, posing a threat to life and property.The latest official update warns that storm Ophelia will “bring further violent and destructive winds for a time, with gusts of 120 and 150km/h”, as well as flooding, posing a threat to life and property.
Latest Met Éireann Weather Update - please remain indoors until the storm has passed #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/Dynv1APHzFLatest Met Éireann Weather Update - please remain indoors until the storm has passed #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/Dynv1APHzF
4.21pm BST4.21pm BST
16:2116:21
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
The Gardai have confirmed that another man has died in Ravensdale, near Dundalk, close to the border with Northern Ireland, as a result of a falling tree.The Gardai have confirmed that another man has died in Ravensdale, near Dundalk, close to the border with Northern Ireland, as a result of a falling tree.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.22pm BSTat 4.22pm BST
3.59pm BST3.59pm BST
15:5915:59
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Ahead of her dinner in Brussels this evening, Theresa May spoke with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar this afternoon. She expressed her condolences over the loss of two lives so far in Ireland (since up to three) connected with storm Ophelia.Ahead of her dinner in Brussels this evening, Theresa May spoke with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar this afternoon. She expressed her condolences over the loss of two lives so far in Ireland (since up to three) connected with storm Ophelia.
A Downing Street spokesman said:A Downing Street spokesman said:
On storm Ophelia, the prime minister expressed her sympathies for the loss of life and said the UK government stood ready to provide any support if requested.On storm Ophelia, the prime minister expressed her sympathies for the loss of life and said the UK government stood ready to provide any support if requested.