Severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Bert have resulted in significant disruptions across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With heavy rain and strong winds, transportation systems are struggling to maintain operations, leaving thousands affected.
The public transport operator Translink reported that railway lines between Belfast and Antrim, as well as Newry and Portadown, are closed due to flooding.
Translink has also indicated that numerous bus and rail services have been disrupted, which can be checked on their website.
In a notable incident, a gritting vehicle became stranded on the Coleraine Mountain Road, where snow had initially caused the road closure. While it is now accessible with caution, many other routes remain blocked by fallen debris. Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area, where snow continues to pose challenges.
The TrafficWatchNI service highlighted “very difficult driving conditions” in elevated regions such as:
Yellow weather warnings for rain, wind, and snow are currently in effect throughout Northern Ireland until 11:00 GMT on Saturday.
Storm Bert has also had a severe impact in the Republic of Ireland, with approximately 60,000 homes losing power overnight. Met Éireann issued red weather warnings for heavy rainfall in areas like west Cork and west Galway, forecasting potential flooding and property damage.
Images circulating online depicted the River Feale in west Limerick overflowing its banks. Additionally, a yellow status warning for snow, ice, rain, and strong winds is active in County Donegal until noon. Locations such as Bridge Street in Killybegs have already experienced significant flooding.
Power outages have been reported most frequently in regions including Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Kerry, and Cork.
The naming of storms aids meteorologists in effectively communicating risks associated with extreme weather events. Storm Bert is recognized as the second named storm of the 2024/25 season, which commenced on September 1. It was designated by Met Éireann after assessments suggested it could lead to substantial disruption across Ireland. This collaborative effort between Met Éireann, the UK Met Office, and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute ensures that storms are systematically monitored and categorized each season.
As communities prepare for ongoing adverse conditions brought by Storm Bert, vigilance remains crucial as authorities continue to assess the impact of this severe weather event.
Storm Bert Causes Disruption Across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Severe weather conditions triggered by Storm Bert have led to widespread disruption throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Storm Bert Set to Impact the UK with Severe Weather As Storm Bert approaches the UK this weekend, residents are bracing for a mix of high winds, heavy rain, and significant snowfall.