Storm Ellen has hit the southern coast of Ireland, with winds over Co Cork becoming “very severe and destructive” as the night progressed, with reports of power cuts and fallen trees blocking roads. Social media also carried reports of coastal flooding.
Tweets from Cork Safety Alerts reported trees down and blocking roads across the county. Flooding is reported in Skibbereen, while power outages across Cork are thought to be affecting thousands of homes. There was also lightening and thunder in the Macroom area.
This shouldn’t be happening in Skibbereen.Millions spent on flood protection.The entire town should be dry even in this intense rainfall. Part of me is not surprised. The flood committee flagged that this area needed more protection.OPW need to provide answers. #StormEllen pic.twitter.com/pPr061LOz9
— Christopher O’Sullivan TD (@COSullivanTD) August 19, 2020
Winds were reaching 115km/h in gusts at the Fastnet Rock lighthouse at 11pm.
Met Éireann has issued a status red warning for wind in Co Cork, which is in effect until midnight.
The rest of Munster, and counties Galway and Mayo are under a status orange alert lasting until 6am on Thursday.
The Kinsale Energy Platform gusting to 139kmh now! #StormEllen pic.twitter.com/6Njws7QBCt
— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) August 19, 2020
Forecasters think a rare “sting jet” could develop, bringing the potential for a narrow corridor of 160km/h wind gusts to buffet parts of the country.
Sting jets are notoriously difficult to forecast but have occurred in Ireland before – the damage caused by Storm Darwin in February 2014 may have been due to a sting jet.
Cork County Council advised home owners around the county, particularly in coastal areas, to stay indoors.
“Property owners, residents and visitors are advised to prepare for this dangerous weather event, to protect property, to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay indoors during the warning periods,” the council in a statement.
People holidaying or living on campsites and caravan parks have been warned to seek alternative accommodation, with head of Coast Guard operations Gerard O’Flynn saying people should avoid the coast.
“We’re heading towards what we call astronomical high end, low water tide which means we get a very, very high tide and very, very low tide,” he said.
“We are asking people to stay away from the coast and to stay away from the sea and to avoid the temptation to try and get a fancy photograph or a selfie.”
People get hit by waves crashing on the Front Strand in Youghal, Co Cork. Photo: Niall Carson/PA
A red wind warning has been issued by Met Éireann for Co Cork, and an orange warning has been issued for counties Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford, as Storm Ellen sweeps across the country. Photo: Niall Carson/PA
The head of forecasting with Met Éireann, Evelyn Cusack, warned that as Storm Ellen approaches orange weather alerts could be issued anywhere across the country.
The rest of the country has been issued with a status yellow wind warning for Wednesday night and throughout Thursday.
Ms Cusack told Newstalk Breakfast that Storm Ellen will hit Kerry and the south-west of Ireland on Wednesday evening and then head up along the west coast and possibly pass across the remainder of the country overnight.
The worst of the winds will be during the night hours, she said, but there could be damage as this is the time of the year when trees are in full leaf and it is also one of the wettest months.
Ms Cusack added that while the worst of the winds should have passed over the country on Wednesday night, there would still be gales and high seas on Thursday and Friday.
“While the storm itself may pass tonight, you're in for very, very poor unseasonable weather and a very challenging few days.”
Western Europe + Atlantic Infra Red Satellite Animation showing Track of #StormEllen.
All current warnings see https://t.co/ozrQHtoOkt pic.twitter.com/KbUdEuepM5— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) August 19, 2020
The nationwide yellow alert could escalate to orange alerts because of the uncertainty associated with the storm, she said. “So all areas really have to be on alert for orange level impacts tonight.”
Ms Cusack also warned of flooding, both in coastal areas, and also from rivers and in inland areas. There could be high waves on lakes, she said and she advised that people should not be out hill-walking.
Though a storm in August is unusual, it is not unprecedented – Hurricane Charlie hit the country at the same time of year in 1986.
Storm Ellen is also unlikely to be a record breaker. Ireland’s worst storm on meteorological record is still the Big Wind of 1839, while Storm Darwin on February 12th, 2014, may have caused the most damage.
Additional reporting: Vivienne Clarke, Press Association
