Ireland: Remnants of Hurricane Ophelia to hit October 16 /update 2

Event

Remnants of Hurricane Ophelia - now a post-tropical storm but at one point the strongest hurricane registered so far east in the Atlantic Ocean - are expected to hit Ireland on Monday, October 16. The Irish Meteorological Office (Met Eireann) has issued a “status red” warning, the highest on a three point scale, as fierce winds between 130 km/h and 150 km/h (80 mph and 93 mph), heavy rainfall, and storm surge are forecast throughout the day. Munster and Leinster provinces are expected to be the worst affected areas on Monday morning.

As a result, all school and colleges in the country are closed on Monday and businesses have been advised to allow their employees to work from home.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated throughout the day. Flight disruptions are being reported at airports across Ireland, including at Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK), and Shannon (SNN) international airports and Ireland West Airport (NOC).

According to Irish Rail, as of 10:00 Monday, commuter and public transit services in Dublin are operating normally although disruptions later in the day cannot be ruled out. Delays and cancelations have been reported on InterCity rail services.

All Bus Eireann services, the nationwide bus and coach service, are canceled until at least 14:00 (local time), with further disruptions expected throughout the day.

Advice

Individuals in Ireland are advised to adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and confirm travel plans.