26 Apr 2019 | 05:43 PM UTC
Ireland/UK: Storm Hannah to bring high winds, heavy rain April 26-27
Storm Hannah to bring high winds, heavy rain, and transportation disruptions to Ireland and UK April 26-27; flooding possible in affected areas
Event
Storm Hannah is forecast to bring high winds, precipitation, and transportation disruptions to Ireland and parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland, Wales, and England, from Friday, April 26, through Saturday, April 27.
The Irish weather office Met Éireann has issued Red (the highest alert level) high wind warnings for Kerry and Clare counties, and Orange (the second-highest alert level) high wind warnings for the counties of Cork, Limerick, Galway, Tipperary, and Waterford, until 23:59 (local time) on Friday. The counties of Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, and Donegal are under a Yellow high wind warning (the second-lowest alert level) through 09:00 on Saturday.
The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for wind across Wales, Northern Ireland, and much of England until 15:00 on Saturday.
Gusts of 120-150 kph (75-93 mph) are possible across parts of coastal Ireland, with winds of 100-112 kph (60-70 mph) expected in southwestern England. Rainfall totals of 30-40 mm (1-1.5 in) are forecast in Northern Ireland on Saturday, prompting concerns for localized flooding. Fallen trees and power lines causing traffic disruptions and power outages are likely in affected areas as a result of the high gusts.
Officials have cautioned that passenger transportation (e.g. road, rail, air, and ferry) may be disrupted over the coming hours and days due to Storm Hannah. High winds may blow debris and topple trees and power lines, causing further disruptions in affected areas.
Advice
Individuals in Ireland and the UK, particularly those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, prepare for transportation disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. road closures). In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
