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. Heavy rain and strong winds have prompted meteorological agencies to issue multiple weather warnings, affecting thousands of residents and creating hazardous travel conditions.

Current Weather Warnings

Yellow warnings for rain, wind, and snow are in effect across all of Northern Ireland until 11:00 GMT on Saturday. Meanwhile, over 30,000 homes in the Republic of Ireland are currently without power due to the storm’s impact.

The Irish Meteorological Service, Met Éireann, has issued red warnings—its highest alert—for heavy rainfall in west Cork and west Galway. This warning indicates a high risk of severe flooding and potential property damage in these regions, alongside treacherous driving conditions.

As motorists navigate the roads on Saturday morning, reports from TrafficWatchNI indicate that wind and rain are increasingly creating issues for drivers.

Several roads have been obstructed by fallen trees and utility lines. Notably, a tree has fallen onto Belfast Road in Newtownards, partially blocking traffic. The Dergbrough Road in Plumbridge is closed entirely due to another fallen tree, while the Coast Road in Ballygally is shut following a rock fall attributed to Storm Bert’s effects. Difficult driving conditions continue to be reported in higher areas such as Glenshane Pass and Coleraine Mountain Road.

Areas Most Affected

In addition to the red warnings active until 10:00 local time on Saturday, Met Éireann has issued status orange warnings for counties including Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim. County Donegal faces a yellow warning for snow, ice, rain, and strong winds until noon. This county is experiencing significant power outages, particularly impacting around 12,000 residents in areas like Gweedore and Buncrana.

Storm Bert is the second named storm of the 2024/25 season—a practice established by meteorological organizations to effectively communicate severe weather risks to the public.

Looking Ahead

As Storm Bert continues to impact daily life across both regions, residents are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather alerts. The collaboration between Met Éireann and other meteorological agencies ensures timely information dissemination regarding dangerous weather events. As climate patterns evolve, understanding these storms' implications becomes increasingly vital for community preparedness and safety.