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IRELAND IS BRACED for the arrival of Storm Barra, which is due to arrive on our shores today.
The storm is set to bring high winds and heavy rainfall across the country, with some counties also expecting flooding in coastal areas.
Met Éireann has issued several wind and rain warnings across several counties while Taoiseach Michéal Martin said yesterday that some warnings may be upgraded as the storm draws nearer.
As we await Storm Barra’s imminent arrival, here’s everything you need to know.
What weather warnings are in place?
A Status Red wind warning for counties Cork, Clare and Kerry will be in place from 6am this morning until 9pm this evening.
Met Éireann said that coastal flooding is expected in these two counties due to a combination of high waves, storm surge and high tide, which will also likely cause disruptions to power and travel.
🚨#StormBarra will bring disruptive weather to Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday, with impacts from severe, damaging winds 🌬️ as well as heavy rain 🌧️ 🚨#Wind and #rain warnings are in place across Ireland ⚠️
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 6, 2021
Read more in our #StormBarra news story ℹ️📰 https://t.co/jZZxcE5Nup pic.twitter.com/46Ae3iyOTb
A Status Orange wind warning will be in place from today until tomorrow in Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo and Wexford.
Winds are expected to reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/hr, with severe or damaging gusts expected to reach up to 130 km/hr.
There is also a Status Orange wind warning in place for Dublin, Louth, Wicklow and east Meath until 1pm today.
A Status Yellow wind and rain warning is in place nationwide from today until 6pm tomorrow.
With dangerous conditions expected at sea, there are also several marine warnings in place along all Irish coasts.
A Status Red storm warning is in place from Roche’s Point to Valentia to Erris Head from 7am today until midnight.
A Status Orange storm warning is also in place from Erris Head to Strangford Lough to Roche’s Point and on the Irish Sea. This will be in place until midnight.
There is also a Status Yellow gale warning from Roche’s Point to Valentia to Erris Head.
What has been impacted by the storm?
Schools, colleges and creches in Red and Orange warning areas will not open today following advice from Government.
The Department of Education yesterday advised all schools in the areas covered by the red and orange warnings not to open due to the approaching storm.
A statement from the department said: “Due to the significant nature of Storm Barra, as forecast by Met Éireann and to give sufficient notice to schools and parents/guardians, the Department is advising that all schools covered by the Red Alert and Orange warning from Met Éireann should not open tomorrow, 7 December.”
All schools should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.
The Department of Higher Education advised all universities, colleges and further education facilities covered by the Red and Orange wind warnings not to open today, while the Department of Children said that all early learning and care and school-age childcare services should also shut.
The HSE has closed services and cancelled appointments in several counties because of the storm.
Covid-19 vaccination centres in Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo will not be operating.
Test centres in Cork and Kerry are also cancelled along with BreastCheck appointments in Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
Aldi said yesterday that is to shut its Clare, Cork and Kerry stores ahead of the storm.
An spokesperson for the supermarket chain said: “Due to the Status Red weather warning, our stores in Cork and Kerry will be closed throughout Tuesday, while our stores in Clare will be closed from 3pm on Tuesday and reopen at 9am Wednesday. We are monitoring the weather situation closely and if there are any changes we will communicate this.”
“The health and safety of all our customers and store teams is our priority.”
AIB has said that its branches in Cork, Clare and Kerry will remain closed today due to the storm. It also said that its Abbeyfeale branch will also remain closed as staff working there are travelling from impacted locations.
The Courts Service also confirmed that Courts in Kerry, Cork, Clare and Newcastle West are “cancelled to future dates”.
Racing has also been impacted by the storm. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, in conjunction with Horse Racing Ireland, confirmed yesterday that racing fixtures scheduled for today in Tramore have been postponed until Thursday 9 December.
It said in a statement: “Following consultation with Met Eireann and various stakeholders and in light of the weather forecast which currently has a Status Red and Status Orange weather warning in place for parts of Ireland, the fixture scheduled for Tramore on Tuesday 7 December has been postponed.”
Have transport services been impacted?
A number of flights arriving and departing from Cork Airport today have been cancelled.
A spokesperson for Shannon Airport told The Journal that there have been no confirmed flight cancellations yet, and that they are awaiting direction from their airline customers.
However, they said that due to the Status Red weather warning in place in Clare, “we strongly advise intending passengers to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. Flight information will be posted on all Shannon Airport social media platforms and the airport website as it becomes available.”
All flights to and from Dublin Airport are operating as normal, but the DAA has also advised all passengers to check their flight status in advance of travel with their airline and to allow extra time for journeys to and from the airport today.
Shannon Ferries has cancelled all sailings for today due to the impending storm.
Due to Storm Barra and in the interest of safety all sailings are cancelled on Tuesday, 7th December 2021. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. @ClareFM @radiokerrynews @aaroadwatch @SPINSouthWest @Live95fmNews @ClareCoCo @countykerry @LimerickCounty
— Shannon Ferries (@ShannonFerries) December 6, 2021
Irish Ferries has also cancelled a number of services due to the adverse weather conditions.
The 2.30pm service from Dublin to Holyhead on its Epsilon ship is in doubt, while both the 8.15am and 8.15pm service from Holyhead to Dublin have been cancelled.
However, they said that passengers can be accommodated on their M.V.Ulysses, which is still in operation.
All services from Rosslare to Pembroke have been cancelled for today. The 2.45am service from Pembroke to Rosslare on Wednesday has also been cancelled.
Stena Line has cancelled the 7.30am and 6.15pm service from Rosslare to Fishguard.
The 2.45pm service from Dublin to Holyhead “may be subject to delay” due to the weather. The 9am service from Holyhead to Dublin will now depart at 8.30am.
What have other authorities said?
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users in areas affected by the Status Red warning to avoid any travel during the storm window.
Those in areas affected by the Status Orange warnings are being asked to consider postponing their journey until the storm has passed.
The RSA said all road users to be aware of the dangers once the storm has passed, as they may encounter potentially hazardous road conditions such as flooded roads and downed lines, trees and other debris which could block roads.
#StormBarra
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) December 6, 2021
Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists🧵
📰https://t.co/wANbEfcuIl
🏠In areas affected by Orange Weather Warnings you should consider postponing your journey until conditions improve.
Pedestrians are advised to wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt and to take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions.
Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights and by wearing bright and light reflective clothing.
The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to all mariners and coastal communities to be mindful of the severe weather warnings.
Walkers are advised to avoid any exposed areas, including seafront and cliff walkways, while all forms of open water recreation should be avoided, including by experienced practitioners, as it may result in arousing public concerns and causing rescue services to be alerted.
Coast Guard Operations Manager Micheál O’Toole appealed to the public to remain vigilant, to avoid any unnecessary travel and to monitor Met Éireann weather forecasts, saying: “Stay back, Stay high, Stay dry.”
“If you see somebody in trouble on the water or on the coast, dial 112 or use marine VHF channel 16, and ask for the Coast Guard,” he said.
Yesterday, the National Emergency Coordination group conducted a virtual meeting with Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works, local authority severe weather assessment teams and government departments and agencies.
The Department said all local authorities have activated their crisis management teams and local coordination groups, while coastal flood defences are being put in place.
They also said that ESB Networks are ready to mobilise responses to restore power once the impact of the storm is known, while the Powercheck app will enable users to gather updates on estimated restoration times and safety regarding fallen lines.
An Garda Síochána is also appealing to the public to take care and exercise caution once the storm hits.
The key public safety advice from Gardaí is as follows:
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Insult him all you will,but he’s a fine example of a businessman who doesn’t use political sway to amass his fortune unlike other people ,he isn’t a tax exile . Previous to ryanair it wasn’t possible to go on short breaks to exciting cities due to cost , the man is a legend and should be treated as such.
Say what you like about ryanair,but we,re after booking flights to manchester for 2 adults and two kids with ryanair for €160,same flights we,re coming in at over €500,and thus out of our budget,at union infested dinosaur aer lingus!
belive hes doing a new calendar next year of him kissing puppies. .
Whoa! Slow down, this is all too much too fast!!..
What will they have next, a toilet attendant?
A blackinthejax at 40,000 feet :)
They still won’t let you check in online more than 7 days in advance unless you pay extra for an allocated seat though – they’ll always find some new way of trying to wring more money out of people….
I don’t mind flying with Ryanair because they are so cheap and it’s your own fault if you end paying more than you should but one thing I hate about flying with any airline is young kids and babies with modern patents believing that there kids should be allowed express themselves with no consideration to other passengers so I hope this move by Ryanair won’t turn there planes into crèches and if does I hope they make the back or front of the plane family sections so the rest of us can have some peace..
Poor you! Just remember, of you are this annoying at this stage of your life, think about how annoying you probably were when you were a baby! You’re not the most important person in the world therefore don’t bitch about people taking kids on holidays. They also deserve down time.
My problems not really with kids it’s with rubbish parents who think the kids can do what they want.. Not all parents but a lot of them..
Irishoversea-Because you were never a baby or even cried! Get over yourself you clown!
I’m guessing your one of the parents I’m on about who can’t control your kids..
I am a frequent flyer and I have no idea what you are talking about. Irish kids are probably the best behaved in the world and so are their parents. In case a baby screams the parents usually apologise to the people around even I think there is no need for it. What are they supposed to do: smother the infant?
Maybe Ryanair will offer a crèche facility in the hold of the plane, this will resolve all of our problems.
Yes Irish kids are best in the world it’s foreign kids I have problem with.. Coming to our country taking our plane seats making a load of noise..
Also babies crying I can get over it’s the kids who can be controlled or should be but are not. I don’t see why planes can’t have family sections that’s all..
There was a 2 year old behind me on the flight home today. She was talking singing shouting she had everyone in stitches. They re kids that’s what kids do.
Irishoverseas, foreign kids and their parents get up your nose? Why? I thought you are overseas? Shouldn’t you be used to it then?
Because as you pointed out yourself Irish kids are the best in the world and foreign kids compared to our angels are awful..
That would probably be preferable to be honest!
Don’t cry
I have been a regular customer of Ryanair for +10 years. Because of Ryanair I was able to afford almost monthly trips to visit my elderly parents. It’s down to them that I can be a peace with their loss knowing that I did all that I could and spent all the time I could with them while they were alive and needed me. I have heard the criticisms over the years but can honestly say I have never had a problem either with the airline or the staff. If you make youself aware of the rules and stick to them, all will be fine. In fact I regret the recent changes which have resulted in higher fares (everything has a price).
I have also flown Aer Lingus and can attest to the fact that they are as much a “budget – no frills airline” as Ryanair but this is rarely reflected in the fare.
If only Ryanair flew into Heathrow.
Be happy they don’t. It’s a hellhole. If you want world hub connections then go via Schipol – and avoid UK APD at the same time.
Sure bar you pay for Heathrow Express you’ll be in central London as quick from any airport.
In fairness, Gatwick is only a 45 minute train from St. Pancras International. Heathrow isn’t much closer!
I wonder will they let me use the same microwave to heat the hot food they give me on board?
I agree with the commentors above regarding the low fuel issue. I watched the Channel 4 Despatches episode and was so disgusted with the sensational, biased reporting that I complained to Channel 4. Ryanair has an unmatched safety record. All airlines have emergency landing due to poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances. I find Michael O’Leary’s manner unnecessarily abrasive at times BUT I can’t fault his business acumen or his company
That still doesn’t do anything about the screaming baby problem..
have you tried a soother.
I think irishoversea might need one..
I think you needed condoms
Charm offensive…will it work?…time will tell…at least he’s trying not to insult us…:-)..
I hope they put all the kids together e.g a family/kid zone
Hope he does not decide to reduce the amount of fuel onboard to compensate, three emergency landings was enough.
Experience all three did you? You poor thing!
Out of however many landings they have ever performed, only 3 have made an emergency landing because of fuel. That has to be the best safety record in Europe! Look at EI or BA and see how many emergency landings they made because of low fuel in a holding pattern!
Flew with Ryanair to Murcia a number of years ago, when infants were still free. Asked for the connecting belt to attach my son to my belt. Was being stalled a bit, only to be informed that there wasn’t one on the flight, even though they knew that we were coming. Their blatant disregard for my sons safety means we will never fly with them as a family again. And now they’re child friendly? I’ll believe it when I see it.
but you wont see it if your not intending to fly with them again . ;-)
@Barry. My monacle just fell into my earl grey upon reading your comment, I am truly horrified.
I certainly don’t think it is very appropriate to fly with an airline that is so frivolous with fuel. I certainly think this issue has affected ryanair and is the reason for all these radical changes.
Rachel
Rachel,
do you honestly think that the IAA and other aviation regulators would let them fly with a dangerous low level of fuel?
I take it you work for Aer Lingus or one of their competitors.
Now, Now Brian, no need to be abrupt. I don’t work for an airline Brian. I would not consider emergency landings due to lack of fuel to be very safe and this has certainly been the case with ryanair.
Rachel
Rachel, silly silly Rachel, guess who diverted to Shannon a couple of weeks ago due to low on fuel and a hold at Dublin, your beloved Aer Lingus, it happens to all airlines, they dont have an endless supply of fuel, I guess if you actually read and understood the report you would see that the Ryanair planes had plenty of fuel on board and that numerous different airlines all had fuel emergencies at the same time due to weather and Spanish ATC. But dont let the facts get in the way of your ignorance
@ Rachel. That’s crap. If you knew your facts you would know what happened was due to reasons beyond crew control. FR have a fantastic safety record and do not take any risks with fuel or safety, plus aviation authorities would take a dim view if they did.
No need to be patronising Aaron.
Don’t fly with them then. Sure you love wasting all your loverly dosh on AL
Rachel, please investigate the facts which are available online (google) before posting nonsense please.
Then maybe people wont be so patronising towards you.
You know that was all down to desperate weather at the time, there is only so many times you can circle around avoiding thunderstorms before you run out of fuel! That same day a flight from Chile made an emergency landing due to an engine failure (thanks to a, yeah you guessed it, lack of fuel!). That delayed the aircraft holding above Madrid even more. Ryanair done everything right that day in taking on the legal amount of extra fuel incase of delays, the weather, poor Spanish ATC & the LAN AIrlines emergency were hardly Ryanairs fault!
Can’t Fault Ryanair, Recent trip to Almeria, was flawless, comfortable, staff very pleasant, no complaints whatsoever.
One suggestion, as a promotional exercise, Ryanair should record remarks from regular Ryanair users to get the truth behind this airline, I bet all the begrudgers will be Surprised!
Guess we’ll have to find something else to get riled up about now that Ryanair are off the list. Don’t think it will be too hard…..
Wizz air.
I assume they’ll heat the bottle for free, but if there’s anything in the bottle, there will be a substatial handling charge per ml etc?
i read they will also allow cots to be stored in overhead bins thats means there will be less storage for the person who just brings on their case….so the passenger will have to put case in the hold so more money and baby changing facility read toilet or the tray that drops down for ur cuppa
where did you hear that ?
They allow for 90 pieces of carry on luggage, and any overflow is checked at the gate free of charge. So your point is invalid
Indeed Stephen Furlong… How interesting of you to declare there’s a subset of consumers who avoid Ryanair ‘for no reason’
“Anyone who thinks Ryanair flights are some sort of bastion of sanctity where you can contemplate your navel is wrong. We already bombard you with as many in-flight announcements and trolleys as we can. Anyone who looks like they’re sleeping, we wake them up to sell them things.” Micheal O’Leary
I can see myself running right out to hand money over to what must truly be an incompetent stockbroker encouraging investment in an airline industry and market he knows ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about.
So children who used to fly free will now fly at a reduced adults’ fee. Heat bottles but at what cost ? I have never had reason to think of Ryanair in a good light. This window dressing makes me even more suspect.
How about reducing the charge for needing to get your boarding pass printed at their desk ?
I used to fly Ryanair but got fed up of the many many extra charges and also of their ill chosen airports at which they land.
As for kids on board. Children free flights would be great. I love kids but a screaming child in an enclosed space is not my idea of enjoying a flight. Some kids scream so let them all have their own flights with their parents.
I bet the insulted current child brigade will take umbrage at that.
Someone has no idea of how to play the ‘Ryanair game’
Well done Michael O Leary!
Another free publicity stunt!
You are a genius!
Stop it now…it isn’t funny any more….Ryan-air …nice and cuddly …….I must have fallen through the magic mirror.
Ryanair have a new problem. People not seating in the right seats. Two of my last three flights, someone has been sitting in my seat.
I don’t make an issue of it, go to the middle of the plane tell the flight attendant and ask to seat at the emergency exit if it’s free, more leg room.
But seriously is it that people don’t know and being stupid that it allocated seating now. I
Took like 3.35 Ryanair flight from Manchester to Dublin today. Been doing so for the last year and number of times a year and today was the first time it was packed. Normally it’s under half empty. Yes lots of holidays. But a huge swing from nearly empty to packed full.
Pity the fees for allocated seating were not discounted before now, we paid €140 for our flights both ways just to make sure out young children were seated beside us, ridiculous.
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