Storm Amy Causes Fatality and Widespread Power Outages Across Ireland

Storm Amy wreaked havoc across Ireland on March 15, 2024, leading to at least one fatality and widespread power outages affecting over 124,000 homes, farms, and businesses. The storm’s destructive force was felt particularly in Co Donegal, where a man in his 40s died during a storm-related incident in Letterkenny. Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 16:15, and the deceased was transported to the morgue at Letterkenny University Hospital for a postmortem examination. Ongoing inquiries will prepare a report for the coroner.

The Irish Meteorological Service, known as Met Éireann, issued a red wind warning for Co Donegal from 16:00 to 18:00, indicating severe weather conditions. The storm resulted in status red, orange, and yellow weather warnings across various regions, with the west coast suffering the most significant impacts. Reports of fallen trees and damage were received from the east coast as well, highlighting the storm’s extensive reach.

In Northern Ireland, a provisional wind speed record of 148 km/h was recorded amidst the storm. By 20:45, the power outages were concentrated in counties including Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, and Donegal. Communities such as Buncrana, Milford, and Derrybeg in Donegal experienced significant disruptions to their electricity supply.

ESB Networks crews and partner contractors were mobilized to assess the damage and restore power. An ESB spokesman stated, “Our crews will continue the restoration for as long as possible this evening, but it is likely that the majority of customers will not have their power restored [on Friday night].”

The storm also caused substantial disruptions to transportation. Roads in the western part of Co Galway became impassable due to fallen trees and flooding, prompting warnings for drivers in several towns in Monaghan to avoid flooded roads. In west Cork, motorists were cautioned to drive with care in areas such as the Borlin Valley and Castledonovan, where heavy rain had caused severe road damage.

Irish Rail announced delays for DART services in Dublin, with a particular disruption affecting the 15:05 Sligo to Connolly service, which was delayed by approximately 30 minutes due to a branch blocking the line near Carrick-on-Shannon.

Dublin Airport also faced challenges, with DAA spokesman Graeme McQueen reporting multiple flight cancellations, diversions, and delays. By 20:00, a total of 115 flights had been cancelled, and 18 inbound flights were diverted to alternative airports.

Despite the severe weather, Galway city managed to avoid serious flooding, although localized street flooding occurred near the Spanish Arch and Flood Street. Labour Councillor Niall McNeilis noted that local authority staff were actively clearing blocked drains to alleviate flooding issues.

Cork County Council reported over 160 mm of rainfall in the west of the county between Thursday morning and Friday evening, leading to flooding and significant road damage. Met Éireann had previously identified the west and southwest as regions at high risk of flooding, especially in mountainous areas of Kerry, west Cork, west Limerick, and parts of Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, and Roscommon.

In light of the adverse conditions, Water Safety Ireland has urged the public to exercise extreme caution near all bodies of water in the coming days. The aftermath of Storm Amy serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by severe weather and the importance of preparedness in the face of such events.