THE FIRST STORM of the winter season has finally passed, after gusts of up to 147 km/h and heavy rain battered Ireland during Storm Ali.
Two people were killed in the storm, which caused widespread travel disruption, power outages, and the cancellation of the second day of the National Ploughing Championships.
We charted everything as it happened, which you can take a look back at below.
First up is the sad news that a woman in her 50s has died after a caravan was blown off the edge of a cliff in Co Galway this morning.
The incident happened in Claddaghduff at around 7.45am this morning.
More on that here.
Meanwhile, around 55,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power following the storm, mostly the southwest of the country.
ESB says it has mobilised repair crews to work at restoring power as quickly as possible to affected customers, once it is safe to do so.
Here’s just some of the damage the storm has caused in Dublin.
— Kevin Humphreys (@KHumphreysDBS) September 19, 2018
3 cars damaged by falling trees Stillorgan Park Road near N11. Thankfully given its #ProjectEDWARD day, no injuries. 1 🚒 from Dun Laoghaire station on scene #StormAli pic.twitter.com/xgqd0pBUAL
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) September 19, 2018
President Michael D Higgins has expressed his sadness at the death of a woman in Galway, the county he served as a TD.
In a statement, the President said: “Today’s strong winds can result in dangerous situations and I would urge everyone to heed the warnings by the authorities and take caution when travelling or when out in the open.
“I was deeply saddened to learn that storm Ali has already claimed one victim today in Claddagduff, Co Galway. As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to her family.
“I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens, and who are working to maintain essential services around the country.”
Fallen trees have led to the closure of dozens of roads across the country, and AA Roadwatch has a list of affected areas on its website.
MAYO:
There are a number of fallen trees in the Claremorris area, including on the N60 and the Ballinrobe Rd (R331) which are fully blocked. Gardaí advise against travelling in the area due to dangerous conditions.
GALWAY:
The N67 (Old N18) is closed between Kilcolgan and Clarinbridge due to fallen trees.
St Mary’s Rd is closed due to a fallen tree, and so is is the nearby Crescent.
Salthill Promeade has been closed due to the weather conditions.
There are a large number of fallen trees in the Salthill area, with extreme caution advised.
The N59 is currently blocked near Roscahill by a tree.
There’s a tree down at the Browne R/A on Seamus Quirke Rd in the city – traffic can get by with care.
A number of fallen trees are blocking the N84 at the Curraghline
The Loughrea/Woodford Rd (R351) is blocked by a fallen tree.
The Tuam/Barnaderg Rd (R332) is closed due to trees down.
There’s a tree down on the Ballinrobe Rd (R332) just outside Tuam at Kilbannon.
The Scarriff/Portumna Rd (R352) is down to one lane due to lots of fallen trees.
There’s a fallen trees blocking the road at Caltra NS (R339).
The Mountbellew/Caltra Rd (R358) is closed due to fallen trees.
The Menlough/Monivea Rd (R339) is down to one lane at Garbally Castle due to a fallen trees.
The Loughgeorge/Abbeyknockmoy Rd (R354) is closed due to a fallen tree.
There are several fallen trees on the back road between Corradulla and Loughgeorge (linking the Tuam Rd and Headford Rd).
SLIGO:
There’s a fallen tree on the N4 between Lackagh and Collooney, and a fallen electricity pole near Castlebaldwin.
There’s a fallen tree on the N15 north of Drumcliffe
There’s a tree down on the Slishwood/Ballintogher Rd (R287).
There are trees down on the Sligo/Ballinode Rd(R278) on the Sligo Town side of Calry.
There are trees down on the Sligo/Leitrim Village Rd (R284) at Ballygawley and just south of Geevagh.
A fallen tree is blocking the Ballygawley/Collooney Rd (R290).
The Ballymote/Boyle Rd (R295) is blocked by a tree at Keash.
DONEGAL:
There are several fallen trees on the N14 between Letterkenny and Lifford, with the road fully blocked.
There’s a tree down on the Frosses/Glenties Rd (R262).
CORK:
A fallen tree has been cleared from the N22 between Ovens and Macroom, near the turn off for Crookstown,
A tree has been cleared from the South City Link Rd inbound near the Turners Cross exit.
A tree has been cleared from the North Ring Rd in Cork City at Tinkers Cross.
A tree has also been cleared on Centre Park Rd in the City also.
KERRY:
A tree has been cleared frm the N72 between Killarney and Killorglin near Fossa GAA Club.
Also on the N72, all lanes have reopened near Barraduff following the removal of a tree.
A tree has been cleared from the N22 near the level crossing between Killarney and Glenflesk.
A fallen tree has been cleared from the Abbeydorney/Listowel Rd (R557) near Lixnaw.
A tree has been cleared from the Ballyduff/Ballyheigue Rd (R551) at Dromartin.
TIPPERARY:
Fallen power cables on the Ballyhasty Rd (R490) and Cloughjordan. Emergency services are at the scene.
DUBLIN:
There is a fallen tree on Cuffe St in Dublin City blocking traffic headed towards St Stephen’s Green.
Highfield Rd is due to close after a tree has fallen.
There is a tree down on Booterstown Ave near the Punch Bowl.
Glasthule Rd is partially blocked on the Dun Laoghaire side of Adelaide Rd.
There is a tree down on the Finglas Rd at Glasnevin Cemetery.
There is a tree blocking one lane of the N81 at Jobstown.
There are reports of a tree down outside Donnybrook heading onto Leeson St Upper.
North Road in the Phoenix Park is closed because of fallen branches. Traffic is being diverted onto Odd Lamp Rd and Chesterfield Ave. Cabra Gate is also closed.
There are trees down on either side of the Long Mile Rd near the Naas Rd Jct.
There is a fallen tree blocking Palmerston Rd in Rathgar near Temple Gardens.
Reports of a fallen tree and damaged power cables in Sandyford Village at Sandyford House.
A tree is reportedly down on Griffith Ave near the St Mobhí Rd jct.
A tree has fallen on a car on Trees Rd Upper.
A tree is reportedly down on Sybill Hill Rd at St Paul’s College in Killester.
KILDARE:
The N78 is blocked by a fallen tree just outside Athy on the Carlow side.
OFFALY:
The Clara/Kilbeggan Rd (R436) is blocked near Clara due to a fallen tree.
WESTMEATH:
There is a tree down on the N4 between J16 Mullingar Centre and J17 Mullingar West.
A tree has fallen on the Castlepollard/Delvin Rd (R395) between Drumcree and Collinstown.
LONGFORD:
The N63 is blocked just east of Lanesboro by a fallen tree.
And here’s some of the damage the storm has caused in the west of the country.
Gardaí dealing with #StormAli damage in Leitrim. Exercise caution while out today. #SlowDown #ProjectEDWARD pic.twitter.com/7Y4OCpNyFQ
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 19, 2018
Stephen O’Dea has been in touch to share this picture of storm damage in Rathmines, Dublin.
A very lucky escape for the a number of car-owners.
The PSNI have issued an update on road closures in Northern Ireland.
The M1 Motorway is closed westbound from Black’s Road Dunmurry and east bound from Saintfield Road due to fallen cables.
Meanwhile, And the Saintfield Road is also closed at the junction of the old Ballynahinch Road due to a fallen tree.
In Derry, the Foyle Bridge is closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Police have advised motorists to exercise extreme caution and to stay in their vehicles.
In Clare, a Ryanair flight was forced to abort two attempted landings at Shannon Airport this morning before diverting to Liverpool.
Flight FR-805 was travelling from Stansted in England to Ireland West Airport in Knock when the crew were forced to divert to Shannon because of highs winds in Knock. At the time, there were wind gusts of 45 knots (83kmh) reported at the Mayo airport.
The Boeing 737-800 jet was rerouted to Shannon but was forced to abort its first landing after the crew reported wind shear on the approach. The crew performed a go-around and repositioned for a second attempt at landing.
Winds at Shannon were gusting 58 knots (107kmh) at the time and the flight was unable to land on the second attempt.
The crew examined their options and considered a number of airports they could divert to. After checking the weather conditions at Kerry and Dublin airports, the crew opted to divert to Liverpool.
The crew of another inbound flight reported wind shear on the approach to Shannon but the larger Boeing 757 aircraft was able to land safely.
Meanwhile, management at the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare have been forced to close the visitor centre because of the high winds.
The public has been warned not to visit the cliffs where conditions have been described as “extremely dangerous”.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The Visitor Centre is closed to the public. Do not visit as it is extremely dangerous. We are constantly assessing the situation and will update as soon as possible.”
Clare County Council is warning the public to avoid exposed coastal locations today due to forecast stormy conditions.
The opening of the National Ploughing Championships has now been pushed back to 12pm due to safety concerns over the weather.
Those who have already arrived are asked to remain in their cars in the car park.
Another incredibly lucky escape for one motorist.
This motorist had a lucky escape and received minor injuries only. #staysafe #ProjectEDWARD #StormAli pic.twitter.com/ucqXBONHbe
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 19, 2018
In case you’re wondering just how windy it is out there…
Strongest gusts in the hour leading up to 10 am in km/h for some of our stations:
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018
Mace Head 120
Shannon 107
Casement 100
Dublin Airport 98
Cork Airport 87
Knock Airport and Gurteen 83
Malin Head 81
Finner and Oak Park 80
Mount Dillon and Athenry 76
Lucky escape for this driver who walked away unscathed this morning when tree came tumbling down on Griffith Avenue, Drumcondra #StormAli pic.twitter.com/YXuoJBGJIO
— Sean Folan (@SeanOCualain) September 19, 2018
Here’s the latest from the National Ploughing Championships, the opening of which has been delayed until 12pm (at least).
In Fermanagh, the PSNI have advised that the A4 at Enniskillen is closed between Tamlaght and Killyhevlin Hotel due to a fallen tree, and that diversions are in place.
ESB now say 140,000 customers are without power due to over 750 separate faults. The most affected areas include, Cavan, Sligo, Galway, Thurles, Castlebar, Tralee, Portlaoise, Mullingar and Dundalk.
Trees are falling on vehicles everywhere it seems. This picture was taken by Rich Evans in Dublin 2.
And the puns have started…
Storm Alert : ‘Special Branch’ down at Garda HQ this morning,
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 19, 2018
thankfully no injuries.
Please exercise extreme caution out there today#slowdown#BeSafe pic.twitter.com/Uojq86zN4q
You’d want to have a strong stomach.
The storm appears to have slightly eased off in the last hour or so, but it’s still VERY windy out there.
Strongest Gusts in the hour leading up to 11 am (km/h):
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018
111 Knock Airport
102 Casement Aerodrome
98 Dublin Airport
96 Shannon Airport
85 Mount Dillon
83 Ballyhaise
81 Malin Head
78 Cork Airport
74 Grange
74 Finner
70 Athenry
69 Mullingar
69 Oak Park
67 Claremorris
A number of rail services around the country have also been disrupted because of the storm. Irish Rail has a full list of trains that are affected on its website.
It’s being reported that the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore has been called off.
No surprise given the damage…
@ploughing2018. NPA need to call it. Just some of the damage. @irishcountryliv @farmersjournal pic.twitter.com/8Vt0GWPgV4
— Mairead Lavery (@MLaveryIFJ) September 19, 2018
Please stand by.
Midwest Radio is experiencing technical difficulties due to #StormAli at present, please bear with us as we seek to resolve them.
— Mid West Radio (@radiomidwest) September 19, 2018
Twitter user @Rusana31 has taken these images of storm damage in Clontarf, Dublin.
More on the cancellation of day two of the National Ploughing Championships (via my windswept colleague Adam Daly).
AnnMarie McHugh said earlier today on RTÉ Radio 1 that the decision to open will be made in conjunction with Met Éireann.
“Public safety is our priority, we are asking those who are in transit to the event already to remain in their car until things are at a safe level.
“We are hoping that we will be able to open the gates, obviously public safety is of utmost importance so we won’t be opening the gates unless it is safe to do so,” she said.
McHugh added that anyone who cannot attend the event will have their tickets honoured tomorrow.
Currently, organisers are trying to secure hoarding at the front of stands which have been blown down.
In better weather news, it’s expected to be sunny and pretty warm when the storm finally passes later.
2/2 Southwest to west winds with gales or severe gales will continue to abate this afternoon, but winds will remain strong in many areas. Some sunshine and blustery showers will follow this afternoon with highest temperatures of 14 to 17 Degrees. pic.twitter.com/L4SEMShye0
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018
The42′s Fintan O’Toole has branched out (eh?) and become a roving weather reporter for a few minutes. He’s got more pictures of those fallen trees on Palmerston Road in Dublin 6.
It’s not just cars that are feeling the brunt of falling branches, with Irish Rail tweeting this picture of one of their trains earlier.
07.15hrs Westport to Dublin which was delayed and damaged by fallen trees earlier between Athlone and Tullamore, moving on from Tullamore at reduced speed to ensure safety due to windscreen damage pic.twitter.com/ENaIKqFAS4
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) September 19, 2018
An Post have said that a number of postal services in the north and north west of the country have been disrupted due to the bad weather.
More than 60 post offices have been temporarily affected, and An Post is working to restore full services as soon as possible.
A spokesman told TheJournal.ie that the closures are in Galway, Sligo, Mayo and Donegal, while a small number of services in Louth are also affected.
Latest wind speeds from around the country. There are unconfirmed reports that Mace Head and Cork Airport have blown away.
Strongest Gusts in the hour leading up to 12:00 (km/h)
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018
- Mace Head
- Cork Airport
113 Knock
98 Casement
94 Finner
93 Malin Head
91 Shannon Airport
89 Dublin Airport
78 Ballyhaise
74 Claremorris
72 Mount Dillon
69 Belmullet
67 Athenry
65 Gurteen
63 Grange
More on those postal closures. The Department of Social Protection has released a list of post offices where welfare recipients can go if their local office is closed.
The below list of offices are not in a position to provide a normal service today due to #StormAli. Anybody who is unable to travel to one of our offices today can get in touch tomorrow to re-schedule their appointments. #staysafe pic.twitter.com/NI5a3S2I5x
— welfare.ie (@welfare_ie) September 19, 2018
The Three Rock transmitter in the Dublin Mountains is down. Just in case you’re worried that World War 3 has broken out.
Currently experiencing difficulties with Three Rock transmitter 88.5FM We're working on it and hope to resume service as soon as possible. In the meantime, please retune to 89.1FM if possible.
— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) September 19, 2018
William Scully has been in touch to share this image of a fallen tree on the north quays at the Hapenny Bridge.
In case you needed telling, Dublin Fire Brigade have been working VERY hard all day. They’ve received 140 calls already, and it’s not even lunchtime.
Our Eastern Region Control Centre has processed 140+ calls for trees falling, cables down & making a scene safe. It's fully staffed & all 🚒 are mobilised. We're working through all the calls. #StormAli is moving out of our region now #Dublin 📸 Whitehall 2 cars damaged pic.twitter.com/QtyvcG4lHZ
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) September 19, 2018
Some of the damage caused to the railings outside Griffith College on Dublin’s South Circular Road. Thanks to Niall Meehan for the photo.
If you’re in Dublin and planning a walk or cycle, don’t go to the Phoenix Park.
The Office of Public Works has advised people to stay away because strong gusts are scattering loose debris around the park, which may be dangerous.
Tom Quinn has sent on this stunning picture of Lough Carra in Co Mayo, offering a hope of what’s to follow after the storm passes.
The scene in Galway where a woman in her 50s tragically lost her life earlier today.
VIDEO: The scene at Claddaghduff, Co Galway following this morning’s tragedy, which claimed the life of a woman in her 50s. More on @rtenews pic.twitter.com/4TQ2IE8JuT
— Pat McGrath (@patmcgrath) September 19, 2018
Around 186,000 customers are now without power across the country.
ESB Networks has said that the outages are affecting homes, farms and businesses and that the areas most affected include parts of Cavan, Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Kerry and the Midlands.
A total of 750 power outages have been reported and are mainly down to fallen trees damaging power lines in the high winds.
Good news for radio fans: the Three Rock transmitter in the Dublin Mountains is back up and running.
Luas Green Line services have been disrupted after a tree fell on overhead power lines between Beechwood and Ranelagh.
There is no service between Balally and Dominick Street, although services are between Brides Glen and Balally and Dominick Street and Broombridge.
It’s expected to be a number of hours before full service is restored, but Luas tickets are valid on Dublin Bus for the duration of the disruption.
All Red Line services are operating normally.
Pretty incredible stuff from the first floor of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre in Dublin.
This is upstairs inside Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre 🍂🍃🍁 #StormAli pic.twitter.com/jZ4mVQ9Bkd
— Brendan O'Loughlin (@Brendan98FM) September 19, 2018
Latest wind reports from Met Éireann. Apparently Mace Head, which recorded some of the strongest winds at the height of Storm Ali, has not blown away.
Strongest gusts (above 60 km/h) for some of our stations in the hour leading up to 1pm:
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018
104 Casement Aerodrome
104 Dublin Airport
93 Knock Airport
91 Malin Head
85 Finner
83 Shannon Airport
65 Mullingar
65 Belmullet
(connection to Mace Head currently down)
More fallen trees around Dublin, this time on O’Connell Street, Glasnevin and Donnycarney.
At this rate, there’ll be none left by the time spring arrives.
Meanwhile, Jane Arigho has been in touch from Glenageary, where the storm took out half of the hedges in her front garden and knocked the apples out of her tree.
Thankfully the apples have since found a new home.
Ireland isn’t the only place feeling the effects of Storm Ali (although we’re certainly getting the brunt of it).
High winds have also hit Scotland and England, where these mesmeric windswept women were photographed this morning.
More images from the scene in Claddaghduff, Co Galway, where a Swiss woman tragically lost her life earlier today.
The woman’s body was found in the sea after her caravan was blown off the coast due to high winds.
Here’s that fallen tree on the Luas Green line. Services between Balally and Dominick are still disrupted after a tree fell on an overhead powerline.
A number of trains across the country are still delayed as a result of Storm Ali. Here’s the latest from Irish Rail:
#WeatherWatch Update: 15.20hrs Connolly/Belfast cancelled this evening due to line closure & debris on the line.
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) September 19, 2018
- Sligo line services: up to 90 min delays
-Galway/Westport: up to 30 min delays
-DART/Northern Commuter: Full services operating with delays up to 20 min #StormAli
Hayley Halpin here taking over from Stephen McDermott for the afternoon.
If you have any tips or pictures about Storm Ali you can contact me at hayley@thejournal.ie or on Twitter at @hayleyhalpin1
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that the north road in the Phoenix Park is now closed.
All traffic going to the city will be diverted to Odd Lamp Road towards Chesterfield Avenue.
Gardaí have asked people to note the following closures:
Fingal County Council crews have been hard at work on New Street in Malahide, Dublin this afternoon as a result of Storm Ali.
The road has been closed off as a result of fallen trees and lampposts.
An inspection of street lights on Church Road is currently taking place, and the council has warned that there may be some traffic disruption.
Well, it looks like it was most definitely the best call to cancel today’s National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore.
Here’s a look at some of the damage Storm Ali has caused to the site:
Some good news… Met Éireann has said that it looks like southwest and westerly winds will continue to ease off through the late afternoon and evening.
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport has now said that about 75 flights have been cancelled due to high winds today. Another 10 flights have been diverted.
Passengers are being advised to check with their airline in relation to specific flights.
If your flight has been delayed, Dublin Airport has said its car parks will not charge you any extra fees.
Fallen trees have caused significant damage throughout the country.
Here’s the scene of a car on Dublin’s North Circular Road after a tree fell on its windscreen.
And here’s some more groundbreaking stuff happening in Artane, Dublin.
Thanks to Hayley for taking over for the last hour or so. Stephen McDermott here, back for the next while to cover your storm-related news as it happens.
A reminder that you can send me any pictures or other content by email at stephen.mcdermott@thejournal.ie or on Twitter via @Ste_McDermott.
Organisers of the National Ploughing Championships have confirmed that there will be an extra day of events on Friday. They’ve also said that anyone who had an entry wristbands for today will be allowed in both tomorrow and Friday.
Organisers will have their work cut out for get the National Ploughing Championships venue looking right again.
Here’s some of the mess caused by Storm Ali:
It's gonna be some clean up for the #Ploughing18 to be ready for tomorrow #StormAli pic.twitter.com/S44IPSrNT3
— Catrina Gallen (@catrina_gallen) September 19, 2018
More of you have been in touch with images of the damage caused by Storm Ali.
Alan Daly spotted this unfortunately-parked car outside Salthill and Monkstown DART station in Dublin:
And nearby in Dalkey, Sean O’Kelly spotted this fallen tree in his own back garden:
Can't believe a branch is down in our back garden in Dalkey @Ste_McDermott #StormAli pic.twitter.com/Oo68E9jwys
— Sean O'Kelly (@SeanOKelly92) September 19, 2018
Bad news for stargazers: the Dark Sky Event due to take at the Papal Cross car park in Dublin’s Phoenix Park has been called off because of the storm.
The good news is that the park itself is back open.
There are reports that a person in Northern Ireland has died in the storm. More on that as we get it.
Luas services on the Green Line have resumed between Dawson Street and Dominick Street, after a tree fell on overhead wires between Charlemont and Ranelagh earlier.
However, there is still no service between Dawson Street and Balally.
A reminder to evening commuters that Luas tickets are valid on all Dublin Bus services until a full Luas service is restored.
Met Éireann have just released a list of the maximum wind speeds recorded during Storm Emma.
Gusts hit a staggering 147km/h in Mace Head in Galway, equivalent to those experienced in a category 1 hurricane.
Max. Gust (km/h) recorded during Storm Ali (prov.):
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018
Mace Hd 147
Newpt 124
Claremorris 120
Malin Hd 117
Knock Airpt 117
Finner 113
Athenry 110
Belmullet 108
Shannon 107
Valentia 106
Baldonnel 106
Dublin Airpt 105
Casement 105
Gurteen 100
Mullingar 94
Johnstown C. 90
Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government Eoghan Murphy has tweeted that Met Éireann do not expect to renew weather warnings this evening.
However, he has also urged the public to continue to exercise caution as gusts of up to 74km/h continue in parts of the country.
Around 126,000 ESB customers are still without power as a result of the storm, with Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Castlebar, Galway, Portlaoise, Dundalk, Mullingar and parts of north county Dublin the worst-affected areas.
More from my colleague Hayley Halpin on the death of a man in Northern Ireland.
It’s reported that the man, who was in his 20s, was killed after he was hit by a falling tree in the Drumintee Road area of Newry this afternoon.
You can read the full story here.
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