Storm Isha swept through Ireland on Sunday and caused unprecedented damages leading to major power outages and flight cancellations, primarily impacting the western regions.
A red warning for wind in counties Mayo and Galway underscored the severity of the situation between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday. Meanwhile, a red warning was active in County Donegal from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Monday. The rest of the country was under an orange wind warning from 5 p.m. until early Monday morning.
The road from the petrol station in Rolestown heading towards Rolestown Church has been closed because of a fallen tree. The tree is too big to tackle in the dark, and there is also the added danger of fallen electricity cables. #StormIsha
— Fingal County Council (@Fingalcoco) January 21, 2024
State-owned energy firm ESB reported on Sunday evening that 170,000 homes, farms and business establishments — the figure later revised up — experienced power outages. Many areas remained without power overnight despite ESB’s efforts to restore it. The energy provider said that Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, and Kerry are among the worst-affected regions.
The storm led to flight cancellations and diversions at Dublin and Cork airports. Dublin Airport alone saw 148 cancellations, 27 planes performed go-arounds due to high winds, and 35 flights were diverted to other airports. At Cork Airport, 10 flights were cancelled and six incoming planes were diverted.
1/2 We are experiencing a high volume of calls at present for both Fire and Ambulance
Some recent #StormIsha incidents include
🌳⚡Tree and electrical poles down on cars – Drumcondra Road Upper
🌳Tree down . Scribblestown lane
🌳Tree down Athgoe road pic.twitter.com/KQFMXEeP7l
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 21, 2024
“Six flights, five of which were originally due to land at Dublin Airport and one flight due to land at Cork Airport, were diverted to Shannon Airport,” said a spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group on Sunday.
These diversions included flights from Faro, Luxembourg, Bydgoszcz, Leeds Bradford, and Amsterdam. All flights landed safely at Shannon Airport. The spokesperson confirmed that despite these diversions, all services at Shannon Airport have continued to operate as per their regular schedule on January 21.
Update:
19:00 Heuston to Cork will stop in Portarlington this evening.
17:50 Westport to Heuston approx. +65 mins
18:30 Heuston to Westport approx. +70 mins
18:45 Heuston to Galway approx. +60 mins
19:15 Heuston to Galway approx +45 mins
-CL https://t.co/nur1TGe1PH— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) January 21, 2024
Land transportation was also affected by the adverse weather. Bus Éireann had to cancel several services in counties with a red warning. Speed restrictions were implemented on certain Iarnród Éireann trains operating in western stations, and further disruptions were noted in Dart services in Dublin.
Local authorities, police, and emergency services attended reports of fallen trees in various affected areas on Sunday, including counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Meath, Cavan, and Dublin. Some roads, including sections of the N59 in County Galway, were temporarily closed due to fallen trees.
Terrible conditions this evening in Dun Laoghaire harbour. Don’t take risks, stay safe and keep well clear from the coastline during #StormIsha @MetEireann @dlrcc @CarlowWeather @gardainfo @IrishCoastGuard pic.twitter.com/M12HH4t7dZ
— Irish Coast Guard – Dun Laoghaire (@DLCoastGuard) January 21, 2024
Restoration efforts
The ESB reported that as of 6.30 a.m., 235,000 residences, farms, and businesses had lost power. The most severely affected areas are located in the northwest of the country.
Emergency crews are being deployed to evaluate the damage and initiate restoration. To expedite the power restoration process safely, the ESB has enlisted the help of hundreds of additional contracting resources to support the existing crews. However, the full power restoration to all households may take several days.
@MCCFireService Nobber Brigade attending a tree down in Kilmainhamwood .
Please don’t take any unnecessary journeys #StormIsha @meathcoco pic.twitter.com/PEEXGz7cjA
— Meath County Council Fire & Rescue Service (@MCCFireService) January 21, 2024
“It’s too early to provide a definite timeline, but with 235,000 without power, it appears to be a multi-day restoration effort for certain parts of the country,” said Brian Tapley, a senior engineer with the ESB.
Improving weather conditions are anticipated today, but caution is advised due to the aftermath of Storm Isha affecting travel conditions. Despite improvements, loose trees and debris may also still pose risks. While some areas may experience hail and isolated thunderstorms, most places will become dry in the evening.
For any of our car park customers delayed coming back into @DublinAirport due to #StormIsha, we will be happy to waive any additional fees incurred.
Impacted passengers should speak with staff on the ground or use the intercom at pay stations before exiting the car park… pic.twitter.com/Roq45ef2KU
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) January 21, 2024
Tuesday is expected to bring another day of rain and strong winds, featuring widespread rain in the morning and afternoon, followed by scattered evening showers.
