Hurricane Ophelia threatens Ireland

Dublin (Ireland): Hurricane Ophelia, the largest hurricane ever recorded so far east in the Atlantic Ocean, is set to hit Ireland on Monday and is expected to cause severe damage in the country.

The Government has already warned the public to stay indoors. The crisis management committee, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, met this morning and warned against all unnecessary travel while the storm is passing.

Met Éireann on Sunday extended a red level wind warning to the whole country warning Ophelia would pass directly over Ireland during daytime delivering “violent and destructive gusts” in all areas. By 9.30, the highest gusts reported were 148km/h at Fastnet Rock and 107km/h at Roches Point.

It said the southwest and south would be worst hit in the morning with eastern counties hit in the afternoon. Heavy rain and storm surges along some coasts will result in flooding, the forecaster said. “There is potential risk to lives,” it added. The forecaster said preparations to protect lives and property should be taken on Sunday if possible.

Ireland has ordered all schools to close Monday as the country braces for an unprecedented storm. “In response to the imminent Storm Ophelia, the Department of Education and Skills is now publicly informing all schools, colleges and other education institutions that they are to remain closed on Monday 16 October,” the department said in a statement.

Although Ophelia will weaken as the storm travels over cooler seas towards the west coast of Ireland, Met Eireann forecast “violent and destructive gusts”.

The severe warning runs from 6am on Monday until midnight. Heavy rain and storm surges are expected to lead to flooding.