Storm Ashley Batters Ireland with Fierce Winds and Lightning
Castlebar: Storm Ashley has unleashed a powerful windstorm across Ireland, with gusts so strong that even people struggled to stay upright. Winds exceeding 100 km/h swept through various regions, bringing lightning and hazardous conditions. Hikers on Croagh Patrick were caught off guard by the storm, battling the relentless winds as they descended the mountain. Despite numerous warnings, many climbers reached the summit, only to struggle on their way down. Several people were frightened and had to rely on rescue teams for assistance. Those in the southern areas of the mountain were particularly affected, with many being diverted to the Murrisk track for safety.
Rescue teams were deployed in advance of the storm and remained stationed in mountain areas until 12:30 p.m., ready to assist those in need. With bad weather persisting in Mayo for several days, an orange alert had been issued for the mountainous region. Authorities urged the public to heed weather warnings and avoid high-risk areas during adverse conditions.
Planes Struggle to Land Amid Turbulent Winds at Dublin Airport
In Dublin, Storm Ashley wreaked havoc on air travel, making it perilous for planes attempting to land. Midday saw multiple flights struggling to touch down at Dublin Airport, with over 30 flights facing significant risks during the approach. In total, 60 flights were cancelled and 28 were diverted to other airports. Belfast also faced flight cancellations as the storm continued to pose threats across the island.
The strong winds caused widespread power outages, with the ESB reporting that approximately 100,000 customers were left without electricity, particularly in counties Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Dublin. In Northern Ireland, around 4,000 customers experienced power disruptions.
An orange and amber wind warning was issued for 11 counties, while a yellow alert remained in place across the Republic of Ireland, lasting until Monday morning. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp