Hurricane Ophelia Strikes the British Isles – Environmental Risks

• The remnants of Hurricane Ophelia have made landfall in the Republic of Ireland.
• Extensive travel disruptions have been reported as Irish residents have been told to stay indoors.
• At least two people have been killed, while up to 230,000 homes and business have been left without power.

Environmental: On the morning of 16 October 2017, the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia made landfall in the Republic of Ireland as travel disruption has been experienced across the British Isles. At least two people have been killed. A woman died after a tree fell on her car in West Waterford, while another death has been reported in Tipperary. About 230,000 homes have been left without power across the Republic of Ireland and there have been warnings that it may take several days before power is restored.

The Irish government have deployed the army and have urged all its residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless their journey is absolutely necessary; a red alert has been issued due to a threat to life and property. Winds reaching 176km/h and waves of over eight metres have been reported off the coast of southern Ireland. Present reporting suggests this is the most powerful storm to hit Ireland in 50 years.

The storm is expected to head northeast from the southwest of Ireland. The United Kingdom’s meteorological office has advised that there is a potential risk to life as a result of Ophelia. An amber weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, Wales, south west Scotland (where the storm is due to make landfall early morning on 17 October), and the Isle of Man. In Wales, 4,000 homes have been left without power. Flooding is expected in many places across the British Isles with three ‘flood warnings’ published, while 13 ‘flood alerts’ are in place to suggest that flooding is possible in these locations. Government buildings and schools have been closed across the region.

Transport

Hurricane Ophelia has caused extensive travel disruption. Dublin Airport has reported that 130 flights have been cancelled impacting short and long-haul journeys. All flights have been cancelled for the remainder of 16 October at Cork Airport. Some delays have been reported at Shannon Airport, which, as well as Belfast Airport, has advised passengers to check with their airlines before making travel plans. At Manchester Airport, 20 flights have been cancelled and flights grounded. No flights to Ireland will depart from Edinburgh Airport but it remains unaffected otherwise, at present. All flights have been cancelled by the Isle of Man’s airport. Some cancellations have also been reported at Cardiff Airport. All trains have been cancelled in the Republic of Ireland but will continue tomorrow, 17 October, if it is safe to do so. No Ophelia-related travel disruption has been reported on the British rail network at this time. Numerous ferry journeys, including between Liverpool and Dublin, and across Scotland have been cancelled. A number of road closures, including of bridges, have been reported across the British Isles.