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Ex-Hurricane Ophelia: Ireland battered by 'violent and destructive' storm – live Storm Ophelia: woman dies in south-east Ireland after tree falls on car - latest updates
(35 minutes later)
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
1.29pm BST
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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 27 ft high were recorded at sea as a rare warning for hurricane force 12 winds was issued for shipping areas south of Ireland.
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 BST1.07pm BST
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In its latest update the electricity supplier ESB said 120,000 customers are without power.In its latest update the electricity supplier ESB said 120,000 customers are without power.
It said:It said:
120,000 customers, predominantly in southern counties are left without power120,000 customers, predominantly in southern counties are left without power
Majority of customers currently without electricity will be without supply overnightMajority 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 soCrews 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 professionalCustomers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional
12.56pm BST12.56pm BST
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Damian CarringtonDamian Carrington
An increase in hurricane-force winds wreaking havoc across the Britain and Ireland is entirely consistent with global warming, according to scientists.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.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.”“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.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.”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.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.
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Woman reported killed in WaterfordWoman reported killed in Waterford
The broadcaster RTE is reporting that a woman has been killed by fallen tree in WaterfordThe 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 #OpheliaWoman 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 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"Waterford Council have confirmed one fatality in an incident Aglish" Co Waterford @damienrte tells #TodaySOR now #Ophelia
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Government buildings in Northern Ireland are to close at 1pm, PA reports.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.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.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.Guidance is to be issued later about school opening arrangements for Tuesday.
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Here’s our news story rounding up the latest on the storm.Here’s our news story rounding up the latest on the storm.
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These before and after stills show trees uprooted by the storm.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/NEsTvuob6MImages 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
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Anglesey county council, in north Wales, has instructed all schools to close after lunch because of the threat posed by Ophelia.Anglesey county council, in north Wales, has instructed all schools to close after lunch because of the threat posed by Ophelia.
We're advising all schools to close after lunch due to @metoffice amber (wind) warning. Schools will inform parents of local arrangements.We're advising all schools to close after lunch due to @metoffice amber (wind) warning. Schools will inform parents of local arrangements.
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This video, from Sky News’s Dublin correspondent, vividly illustrates the storm’s force:This video, from Sky News’s Dublin correspondent, vividly illustrates the storm’s force:
WATCH: Flooding will now be a problem as eye of storm passes over south west of Ireland. #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/h5g2Ar2mleWATCH: Flooding will now be a problem as eye of storm passes over south west of Ireland. #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/h5g2Ar2mle
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A series of flood alerts and flood watches are in force for south-west and north-west England.A series of flood alerts and flood watches are in force for south-west and north-west England.
Flood Alerts on N Devon & N Cornwall coasts due to very energetic waves & strong winds. More info on @EnvAgency : https://t.co/RSc51Fqxgs pic.twitter.com/SkOQQ3igfDFlood Alerts on N Devon & N Cornwall coasts due to very energetic waves & strong winds. More info on @EnvAgency : https://t.co/RSc51Fqxgs pic.twitter.com/SkOQQ3igfD
Flood warnings issued for Chesil, Lyme Regis and West Bay. Strong winds forecast. Take care on the coast: https://t.co/QdPKdEYx15 pic.twitter.com/q3mLyWk7IyFlood warnings issued for Chesil, Lyme Regis and West Bay. Strong winds forecast. Take care on the coast: https://t.co/QdPKdEYx15 pic.twitter.com/q3mLyWk7Iy
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Red sky in the morning, shepherds warning…Red sky in the morning, shepherds warning…
A red sun being seen in parts of the UK has been caused by particulates thrown up by Ophelia, according experts.A red sun being seen in parts of the UK has been caused by particulates thrown up by Ophelia, according experts.
There's so many particulates in the air because of #HurricaneOphelia that the sun in Exeter has turned red at 10am pic.twitter.com/e6fp2ZT6LNThere's so many particulates in the air because of #HurricaneOphelia that the sun in Exeter has turned red at 10am pic.twitter.com/e6fp2ZT6LN
Anyone notice the red sun and strange light quality this morning? This has been caused by Saharan dust being drawn northwards by #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/KqN0D5EXfhAnyone notice the red sun and strange light quality this morning? This has been caused by Saharan dust being drawn northwards by #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/KqN0D5EXfh
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Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Belfast international airport has confirmed that it has cancelled 24 flights, most of them to or from the UK.Belfast international airport has confirmed that it has cancelled 24 flights, most of them to or from the UK.
A spokesman said the airport is on standby to take diverted flights destined for Dublin including a number of transatlantic flights.A spokesman said the airport is on standby to take diverted flights destined for Dublin including a number of transatlantic flights.
11.58 am Find live flight information via this link- https://t.co/hneV94ny9a pic.twitter.com/U8PS6pz9FF11.58 am Find live flight information via this link- https://t.co/hneV94ny9a pic.twitter.com/U8PS6pz9FF
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Up to 100,000 homes and businesses without powerUp to 100,000 homes and businesses without power
Up to 100,000 homes and businesses in Ireland are now without power, according to Derek Hynes, operations manager of the electricity supplier ESB. He warned a news briefing that more homes will be without power by the end of the day.Up to 100,000 homes and businesses in Ireland are now without power, according to Derek Hynes, operations manager of the electricity supplier ESB. He warned a news briefing that more homes will be without power by the end of the day.
He said:He said:
We have, and we will have had, trees falling on our network over the course of this morning. We do have, and we have more, live electrical wires on the ground. Please stay safe by staying clear of all fallen electricity wires. We are approaching 100,000 homes and businesses without electricity. They are predominantly in an area from Cork city west and north up as far as Tralee.We have, and we will have had, trees falling on our network over the course of this morning. We do have, and we have more, live electrical wires on the ground. Please stay safe by staying clear of all fallen electricity wires. We are approaching 100,000 homes and businesses without electricity. They are predominantly in an area from Cork city west and north up as far as Tralee.
That currently comprises a total of about 400 individual outages. Each one of these individual outages is a potential threat to members of the public in terms of fallen wires on the ground.That currently comprises a total of about 400 individual outages. Each one of these individual outages is a potential threat to members of the public in terms of fallen wires on the ground.
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11.47am BST11.47am BST
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Reports of Ophelia making landfallReports of Ophelia making landfall
Storm watchers reckon Ophelia is making landfall in County Kerry.Storm watchers reckon Ophelia is making landfall in County Kerry.
Looks like #OPEHLIA's surface center is making landfall in Kerry County, near Valentia Island, #Ireland. #Hurricane gusts pounding coast. pic.twitter.com/eal6XMPoM9Looks like #OPEHLIA's surface center is making landfall in Kerry County, near Valentia Island, #Ireland. #Hurricane gusts pounding coast. pic.twitter.com/eal6XMPoM9
Looks like the core (not really "eye" anymore) of #Ophelia is about to make landfall on the south coast of Ireland pic.twitter.com/vVSzdHavGVLooks like the core (not really "eye" anymore) of #Ophelia is about to make landfall on the south coast of Ireland pic.twitter.com/vVSzdHavGV
Broadcaster RTE also reports the storm making landfallBroadcaster RTE also reports the storm making landfall
#Ophelia has made landfall - sustained winds in Roches Point of 93 km/h; gust of 131 km/h. Sherkin Island weather station down pic.twitter.com/SdRN6uhhvn#Ophelia has made landfall - sustained winds in Roches Point of 93 km/h; gust of 131 km/h. Sherkin Island weather station down pic.twitter.com/SdRN6uhhvn
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11.40am BST11.40am BST
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Met Éireann has issued a new warning for “violent and destructive gusts” of up 93mph (150 kmph) across Ireland and even strong gusts in coastal and hilly areas.Met Éireann has issued a new warning for “violent and destructive gusts” of up 93mph (150 kmph) across Ireland and even strong gusts in coastal and hilly areas.
It repeated a warning to life and property, with the strongest winds in the provinces of Munster and south Leinster.It repeated a warning to life and property, with the strongest winds in the provinces of Munster and south Leinster.
IMPORTANT NOTE:The National Hurricane Centre is no longer forecasting for #OpheliaPlease refer to Met Eireann for all official forecasts. pic.twitter.com/9lCbXNJdJcIMPORTANT NOTE:The National Hurricane Centre is no longer forecasting for #OpheliaPlease refer to Met Eireann for all official forecasts. pic.twitter.com/9lCbXNJdJc
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at 12.21pm BSTat 12.21pm BST
11.29am BST11.29am BST
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Ophelia forces Bill Clinton to postpone Stormont interventionOphelia forces Bill Clinton to postpone Stormont intervention
Henry McDonaldHenry McDonald
Ireland’s prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has appealed to the Irish public to stay indoors as Storm Ophelia batters Ireland.Ireland’s prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has appealed to the Irish public to stay indoors as Storm Ophelia batters Ireland.
Referring to the biggest storm recorded in Irish history, Debbie in the 1960s, he said: “The last time we had a storm this severe 11 lives were lost so safety is our number one priority.”Referring to the biggest storm recorded in Irish history, Debbie in the 1960s, he said: “The last time we had a storm this severe 11 lives were lost so safety is our number one priority.”
Speaking in Dublin before a cabinet meeting to co-ordinate Ireland’s response to the storm, Varadkar reminded the public that the red weather warning applied to all cities and all counties across Ireland.Speaking in Dublin before a cabinet meeting to co-ordinate Ireland’s response to the storm, Varadkar reminded the public that the red weather warning applied to all cities and all counties across Ireland.
And he warned that the danger to public safety was not over even after the storm had passed the island as there would be fallen trees and felled power lines, many of which could still be live, all across the country in the aftermath of Ophelia.And he warned that the danger to public safety was not over even after the storm had passed the island as there would be fallen trees and felled power lines, many of which could still be live, all across the country in the aftermath of Ophelia.
A media briefing by the Northern Ireland Office at Stormont today has been cancelled.A media briefing by the Northern Ireland Office at Stormont today has been cancelled.
Former US president Bill Clinton was scheduled to speak in the city today and deliver an address urging Northern Ireland’s political parties to find a solution that would restore devolved government in the region.Former US president Bill Clinton was scheduled to speak in the city today and deliver an address urging Northern Ireland’s political parties to find a solution that would restore devolved government in the region.
During his trip Clinton was to hold talks with the parties represented at the Stormont assembly. Clinton was due to be in Ireland to receive an award from Dublin City University later on Monday evening.During his trip Clinton was to hold talks with the parties represented at the Stormont assembly. Clinton was due to be in Ireland to receive an award from Dublin City University later on Monday evening.
BREAKING - @PA understands Storm Ophelia has forced @BillClinton to postpone Stormont crisis intervention.Talks w/ DUP/SF may now happen 2m.BREAKING - @PA understands Storm Ophelia has forced @BillClinton to postpone Stormont crisis intervention.Talks w/ DUP/SF may now happen 2m.
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11.25am BST11.25am BST
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Kevin Moran, minister for flood relief, warned that the storm will bring flooding and widespread structural damage.Kevin Moran, minister for flood relief, warned that the storm will bring flooding and widespread structural damage.
Speaking at that press conference in Dublin he said: “This storm is over 120km in width so it is going to do an awful lot of structural damage to the whole country. There is going to be flooding in some parts of the country, but we don’t know the level. This is unprecedented.Speaking at that press conference in Dublin he said: “This storm is over 120km in width so it is going to do an awful lot of structural damage to the whole country. There is going to be flooding in some parts of the country, but we don’t know the level. This is unprecedented.
“What we are seeing happening in Cork at the present time and the amount of electricity that’s out, if that is to ripple right through then we’re faced with an awful problem tomorrow and right into the weekend.”“What we are seeing happening in Cork at the present time and the amount of electricity that’s out, if that is to ripple right through then we’re faced with an awful problem tomorrow and right into the weekend.”
Asked whether the Irish government had done enough to prepare the country, Moran said: “That’s an unfair question. We have spoken to every local authority in the country.”Asked whether the Irish government had done enough to prepare the country, Moran said: “That’s an unfair question. We have spoken to every local authority in the country.”
Varadkar said homeless people will be allowed to stay in hostels throughout the day to protect them from the storm.Varadkar said homeless people will be allowed to stay in hostels throughout the day to protect them from the storm.
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