UK, Ireland: Storm Agnes to bring adverse weather across Ireland and the UK through at least Sept. 30 /update 1

Event

Adverse weather associated with Storm Agnes will likely affect most of Ireland and the UK through at least Sept. 30.

As of early Sept. 28, Met Eireann has issued the following warnings across Ireland:

• Yellow gale warning (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Irish Sea north of Anglesey and from Valentia to Slyne Head to Bloody Foreland Sept. 28

• Small craft warning: All coasts of Ireland Sept. 28, from Loop Head to Malin Head to Howth Head Sept. 29, and all coasts of Ireland Sept. 30

The UK Met Office has issued the following warnings across the UK:

• Yellow wind warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and western, northern, and central England Sept. 28

• Yellow rain warnings: Central, Tayside, and Fife, Grampian, Southwest Scotland, Lothian Borders, and Strathclyde Sept. 28

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Heavy rainfall resulted in flooding across Ireland, with County Cork and southwestern Ireland being the worst affected. Parts of Limerick City along the River Shannon are also experiencing floods; authorities deployed flood barriers around the city. Dublin Airport (DUB) is operating normally and received several flights that had been diverted from Kerry Airport (FIR) Sept. 27. Cork Airport (ORK) experienced some flight delays and cancellations Sept. 27. Iarnrod Eireann canceled several train services, including Greystones to Howth, Connolly to Belfast, Howth to Howth Junction, Northbound Dart services from Connolly Station, through Killester and Fairview, and Bray to Greystones Sept. 27; they also reported multiple train service delays. Ferry services at Rosslare Europort were also delayed or canceled Sept. 27. Thousands of people were without power Sept. 27; officials have restored electricity in some areas, but power outages still impact many parts of County Cork.

In Northern Ireland, authorities canceled several flights at Belfast City Airport (BHD) and P&O Ferries services between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland the afternoon of Sept. 27. Almost 300 people across Northern Ireland, including Poyntzpass in County Armagh, are without power.

In Scotland, Network Rail has implemented speed restrictions on train services, mainly on the West Highland Line. CalMac has canceled several ferries due to the severe weather.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Further disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Flooding could block regional rail lines; further freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

Met Eireann
Met Office UK
Scottish Environment and Protection Agency Flood Updates
Environment Agency England Flood Alerts
Natural Resources Wales Flood Warnings