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Ex-Hurricane Ophelia: Ireland braces for landfall of 'violent and destructive' storm – live Ex-Hurricane Ophelia: Ireland braces for landfall of 'violent and destructive' storm – live
(35 minutes later)
11.15am BST
11:15
Engineers from the UK are set to travel to Ireland to help restore power, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told that press conference.
He said: “So far we don’t have any reports of any injuries, but we do have trees down and power outrages. About 15,000 are without power ... in Cork.
“Staff are ready to come in from Northern Ireland and Britain to assist in the coming days in restoring power. We can only restore the power lines when it is safe to do so.”
He added: “While in some parts of the country the storm is not yet that bad it is coming your way and this is a national red alert. It applies to all cities all counties and all areas.
“Even after the storm has passed there will still be dangers. There will be trees on the ground. There will be power lines down.”
An Taoiseach and Ministers briefing the Media and emphasising the need for the public to heed the public safety messages being issued pic.twitter.com/F5UMsLIPiV
11.01am BST
11:01
Wind speeds of more than 77 mph (124kmph) were recorded at Cork Airport at 10am, while an offshore speeds of more than 109 mph was recorded on Fastnet Rock.
Graphic of the max wind gusts to 10am.Highest gusts since 10am:Cork Airport 124km/hFastnet Rock (6.5km offshore) 176km/h#Ophelia pic.twitter.com/xbiGhh2OFE
10.54am BST
10:54
Varadkar urges people to stay indoors as the storm passes. He said the government’s priority is to avoid injury. So far no injuries have been reported, he said.
He urges people to work from home where possible.
10.49am BST10.49am BST
10:4910:49
Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is giving a TV address.Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is giving a TV address.
Stream will be here: https://t.co/fECzoTMCp9 https://t.co/esLnwXQZ66Stream will be here: https://t.co/fECzoTMCp9 https://t.co/esLnwXQZ66
10.47am BST10.47am BST
10:4710:47
22,000 homes in Ireland without power22,000 homes in Ireland without power
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
There are now 22,000 customers hit with power cuts as lines are knocked down, according to the Electricity Supply Board in the Irish Republic.There are now 22,000 customers hit with power cuts as lines are knocked down, according to the Electricity Supply Board in the Irish Republic.
An ESB spokeswoman appealed to the public to stay away from fallen power lines as many of them are still live.An ESB spokeswoman appealed to the public to stay away from fallen power lines as many of them are still live.
10.36am BST10.36am BST
10:3610:36
Ireland’s prime minister, Leo Varadkar, is due to give a live TV address in the next few minutes.Ireland’s prime minister, Leo Varadkar, is due to give a live TV address in the next few minutes.
Taoiseach @campaignforleo statement on #Ophelia at 1040am. News Special @RTEONE from 1030, @TodaySOR continues @RTERadio1 & live @RTENewsNowTaoiseach @campaignforleo statement on #Ophelia at 1040am. News Special @RTEONE from 1030, @TodaySOR continues @RTERadio1 & live @RTENewsNow
10.19am BST10.19am BST
10:1910:19
Gust of more than 100mph were recorded as Tropical storm Ophelia approaches the southern coast of Ireland. A speed of of 165kmph (103mph) was recorded at an amateur station in Durrus, in county Cork.Gust of more than 100mph were recorded as Tropical storm Ophelia approaches the southern coast of Ireland. A speed of of 165kmph (103mph) was recorded at an amateur station in Durrus, in county Cork.
#Ophelia - Les vents deviennent désormais bien violents. Rafale à 165 km/h relevée sur une station amateur de Durrus #Irlande. pic.twitter.com/6TnM0H13YI#Ophelia - Les vents deviennent désormais bien violents. Rafale à 165 km/h relevée sur une station amateur de Durrus #Irlande. pic.twitter.com/6TnM0H13YI
A speed of 92 was recorded at an official station on Fastnet Rock.A speed of 92 was recorded at an official station on Fastnet Rock.
BREAKING: Met Eireann are reporting a gust of 92mph at #Fastnet Rock https://t.co/T1yhu8PzNT #Ophelia AlinaBREAKING: Met Eireann are reporting a gust of 92mph at #Fastnet Rock https://t.co/T1yhu8PzNT #Ophelia Alina
Here’s satellite imagery from the National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center.Here’s satellite imagery from the National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center.
Here's our first look at post-tropical #Ophelia this morning as it barrels toward the SW coast of #Ireland with #hurricane force winds! pic.twitter.com/pmnZ6nr2CgHere's our first look at post-tropical #Ophelia this morning as it barrels toward the SW coast of #Ireland with #hurricane force winds! pic.twitter.com/pmnZ6nr2Cg
And this is the latest forecast track from the Irish Met office, Met Eireann.And this is the latest forecast track from the Irish Met office, Met Eireann.
Here's the forecast track of #OpheliaNote the strongest winds will be to the east of the centre of the storm. pic.twitter.com/t4RwSESOeVHere's the forecast track of #OpheliaNote the strongest winds will be to the east of the centre of the storm. pic.twitter.com/t4RwSESOeV
The storm has yet to make landfall.The storm has yet to make landfall.
10.04am BST10.04am BST
10:0410:04
Here’s a map showing the forecast path of the storm.Here’s a map showing the forecast path of the storm.
10.03am BST10.03am BST
10:0310:03
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
There are already 5,000 homes without electricity due to power lines coming down as Storm Ophelia hits the south and southwest of Ireland.There are already 5,000 homes without electricity due to power lines coming down as Storm Ophelia hits the south and southwest of Ireland.
Most of the power outages so far are in Cork and Kerry and where police said trees and power lines have already been brought down.Most of the power outages so far are in Cork and Kerry and where police said trees and power lines have already been brought down.
With the “red” weather warning now extended to the entire Irish Republic, the Gardai have advised people to stay indoors and only go out for essential journeys.With the “red” weather warning now extended to the entire Irish Republic, the Gardai have advised people to stay indoors and only go out for essential journeys.
Dublin Bus has withdrawn all its services in the Irish capital from 10am to 6pm tonight.Dublin Bus has withdrawn all its services in the Irish capital from 10am to 6pm tonight.
In Northern Ireland meanwhile the Lord Chief Justice has ordered all courts to be shut by 12.30pm.And the Department of Agriculture has just announced the closure of all forest parks in Northern Ireland for the day. The closure of all schools and colleges including universities is unprecedented for Northern Ireland.In Northern Ireland meanwhile the Lord Chief Justice has ordered all courts to be shut by 12.30pm.And the Department of Agriculture has just announced the closure of all forest parks in Northern Ireland for the day. The closure of all schools and colleges including universities is unprecedented for Northern Ireland.
Here’s the stormy scene in Ballyrisode, in Cork south-west Ireland.Here’s the stormy scene in Ballyrisode, in Cork south-west Ireland.
Boiling Ballyrisode just now. #Ophelia #westcork #Mizen pic.twitter.com/v3Q4wL93NGBoiling Ballyrisode just now. #Ophelia #westcork #Mizen pic.twitter.com/v3Q4wL93NG
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.07am BSTat 10.07am BST
9.50am BST9.50am BST
09:5009:50
Amber weather warning extendedAmber weather warning extended
The Met Office has extended an amber weather warning to parts of Scotland, Wales and northern England threatening power cuts and falling debris.The Met Office has extended an amber weather warning to parts of Scotland, Wales and northern England threatening power cuts and falling debris.
Amber Warning of Wind for SW Scotland, Lothian Borders https://t.co/xpzna8ZcmY pic.twitter.com/hryWJeBvUXAmber Warning of Wind for SW Scotland, Lothian Borders https://t.co/xpzna8ZcmY pic.twitter.com/hryWJeBvUX
It said:It said:
A spell of very windy weather is expected today in association with ex-Ophelia. Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected as well as some bridge closures. There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Flying debris is likely, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as large waves around coastal districts with beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties. This leads to the potential for injuries and danger to life. This warning has been updated to extend it into parts of north and west Wales and into the extreme southwest of Scotland.A spell of very windy weather is expected today in association with ex-Ophelia. Longer journey times and cancellations are likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected as well as some bridge closures. There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Flying debris is likely, such as tiles blown from roofs, as well as large waves around coastal districts with beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties. This leads to the potential for injuries and danger to life. This warning has been updated to extend it into parts of north and west Wales and into the extreme southwest of Scotland.
9.42am BST
09:42
The storm has already brought down trees and power lines in south-west Ireland according to the Irish police.
In a video appeal assistant commissioner Michael Finn said:
This storm has arrived. Speaking to colleagues down in the south west this morning we have trees down in County Kerry, we have trees and power lines down in west Cork already this morning. This is just the start of the storm.
I would appeal particularly to motorcyclists, cyclist and drivers of high-sided vehicles – you are particularly vulnerable out there this morning. So unless your journey is absolutely essential we don’t want you to put yourselves or indeed the emergency services at risk by being out in the road.
We want to appeal also to people in the coastal areas, while it might be attractive to go to see some of these sights, you are putting yourself at serious risk by being in those areas ...
We have gusts of up to 150 kmph arriving right now on our coasts, so be prepared.
@CorkHarbourWX tree down near Killeagh pic.twitter.com/jQ9aoOCwz4
9.25am BST
09:25
Matthew Holmes
We’d like to hear from you if you’ve been affected by Ophelia or any of the associated disruption.You can share your pictures, videos and stories with us via this callout, or you can also message the Guardian on WhatsApp by adding the contact+44(0)7867825056. We’ll use a selection of your responses as part of our reporting. Please think of your safety first before recording or sharing any content with us.
9.23am BST
09:23
Henry McDonald
It’s a rapidly moving picture on the island of Ireland. In the last few minutes the Met Office in Northern Ireland has said the storm will now start battering the region around 12pm and adverse conditions will continue right up to midnight.
The Met Office said there would be “short, sharp bursts of winds” of up to 80mph in Northern Ireland but the mean wind speed for the whole day could be up to 50mph.
Start time for Amber Warning for Wind brought forward to midday. Keep up to date with warnings with our App and social media. https://t.co/5HrH21vfMo
9.22am BST
09:22
The wind is whipping up a sandstorm on a beach in Ballinspittle on the Cork coast, according to RTE’s Stephen Murphy.
#ophelia - just got caught in a sandstorm in Ballinspittle. Gale force winds in Kinsale#storm #StormOphelia pic.twitter.com/OvHkbl2xK3
9.14am BST
09:14
Henry McDonald
The Met Office in Belfast has said conditions will be at their worst from around 3pm today across Northern Ireland.
It added that the storm will continue across the region until around 10pm tonight. So far 11 flights have been cancelled from Belfast City Airport due to the storm.
And in central Belfast St Patrick’s Soup kitchen will open later this afternoon to shelter the city’s homeless from Storm Ophelia throughout the day.
In Derry meanwhile some shops in the Foyleside shopping centre including Debenhams have closed for the day as the public in the city have been urged to stay indoors and not travel if at all possible.
Amber Warning of Wind for Northern Ireland https://t.co/xlWycFRdHy pic.twitter.com/CjSck4yrgL
9.08am BST
09:08
The coming storm seems to have spooked the crows in Cork.
Wow amazing video of birds flying and covering the sky’s of #Cork Ireland this morning. #StormOphelia is coming... pic.twitter.com/diOlzzF59v
8.59am BST
08:59
Henry McDonald
As Storm Ophelia barrels towards Ireland Irish President Michael D Higgins has issued an appeal for people to heed the warnings about the dangers it poses.
Speaking from Australia where he is on a state visit, President Higgins said he hoped everyone “took the necessary precautions” to protect life and property when the storm reaches the Republic from the middle of the morning onwards.
President Higgins urged people to follow Government advice and take precautions in advance of hurricane #Ophelia making landfall today.
Ireland’s Transport Minister Shane Ross has warned of huge disruption to the country’s transport network today.
Ross said he was urging the public “not to travel if at all possible” on Monday.
There are now 140 flights cancelled from Ireland, Bus Eireann has announced all its school services are shut and the Garda Siochana have urged cyclists not to go out on their bikes today.
Colleges and schools in both the Republic and Northern Ireland are all closed for the day with the Irish weather service, Met Eireann warning again today on RTE radio that Ophelia still has the “potential for hurricane force winds and hurricane force gusts.”
Ophelia is expected to the south and southwest of Ireland around 10am.
8.56am BST
08:56
People in many parts of Ireland have been warned to stay in doors at various times of the day while the storm passes. A general warning not to cycle at all today is also in force from Transport for Ireland.
. @MetEireann advises the public to stay indoors from these times: @emergencyIE #Ophelia https://t.co/xsWqPe1RrD pic.twitter.com/MelCSS6hia
Due to #ophelia @GardaTraffic have urged motorists & the public not to make non-essential journeys - they advise people not to cycle at all
The bus service in Dublin has warned that all buses in the city will be withdrawn from 10am.
#DBSvcUpdate #Ophelia - Dublin Bus services to be withdrawn at 10.00. For regular updates check https://t.co/0uRvRD7axh pic.twitter.com/2zQiTADloy
8.46am BST
08:46
Waves of almost 27ft high have been recored south-west of Ireland as the storm heads towards landfall, Dave Throup a seasoned storm watcher from the UK’s Environment Agency notes.
Weather buoy off SW Ireland now recoding 27ft waves as ex Hurricane Ophelia approaches. pic.twitter.com/cnGlSddKLg
To put that in perspective.... pic.twitter.com/HKuqmyJxGF
No sign of any such waves near the Irish coast yet, but the wind is picking up according to RTE’s Brian O’Connell in Portmagee, on Ireland’s south-west coast.
Gusts have really picked up here in Portmagee, Kerry. #OPHELIA @TodaySOR pic.twitter.com/6lGjYFlL1G
8.22am BST
08:22
Matthew Weaver
This is Matthew Weaver with live coverage on the impact of ex-hurricane Ophelia which is is due to make landfall in the next hour.
It is expected to batter Ireland and Northern Ireland with gusts of up to 80mph, threatening widespread disruption and life-threatening conditions.
The weather system has weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm, but Ireland’s Met Office has issued a red weather warning meaning potential danger to life.
Schools in Ireland have been closed along with many government buildings and courts.
Southern and western coasts are set to bear the initial brunt in the morning before it moves north. A rare warning of hurricane force 12 winds was issued in Monday’s shipping forecast for areas south and west of Ireland.
It said: “Severe gale nine to violent storm 11 occasionally hurricane force 12 at first in North Fitzroy, Sole, Fastnet and Shannon.”
An amber warning is in place for Northern Ireland, with the UK Met Office warning of potential power cuts, and disruption to transport and mobile phone reception. Flying debris such as roof tiles could be a danger to life, it said.
An #amber weather warning for Ex-Hurricane #Ophelia has been issued, but what does that mean? Stay #weatheraware https://t.co/EFVGlpF0N1 pic.twitter.com/dpFKpp5XD6
The storm has arrived 30 years and a day after the Great Storm of October 1987.