Republic of Ireland’s Tourism Faces Challenges as Cork and Galway Hit by Severe Flooding Amid Storm Bert Warnings: Here’s new facts you need to know – Travel And Tour World

Freezing temperatures and the arrival of Storm Bert have created treacherous travel conditions across Northern Ireland, as heavy snow, rain, and strong winds sweep through the region. Rural areas like Ballymena, Ballyclare, Larne, Magherafelt, Cookstown, Newry, and Lisburn have been particularly affected, with Translink warning of significant disruptions to transportation services.

Snow Disruptions Across Rural Areas

Early Friday morning, a dusting of snow blanketed rural areas, creating hazardous conditions on many roads. Several Translink bus services from Belfast, Ballygowan, Derryboy, Omagh, and Newcastle were canceled due to poor road conditions. Motorists have been urged by the police to reduce their speed and adapt their driving to the icy and snowy terrain.

The Glens of Antrim, County Down, and other high-elevation areas recorded snow accumulations of up to 10cm by midday. Some mountain tops reported as much as 20cm, making travel nearly impossible in these regions.

Catriona Curry, a local resident in County Down, described the scene: “The fields and trees are completely blanketed in snow, making the landscape almost black and white. It’s beautiful but challenging for anyone trying to commute.”

Storm Bert Intensifies Weather Warnings

The situation is set to worsen as Storm Bert approaches Northern Ireland this weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and additional snowfall. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow, rain, and wind, highlighting risks of flooding, delays, and power outages from late Friday night into Saturday.

Rain is expected to sweep across Northern Ireland overnight, with snow continuing on high ground, particularly in the north and west. By Saturday morning, much of the snow is expected to melt into rain, potentially causing widespread flooding. Rainfall totals of 20-30mm are anticipated in most areas, with up to 60mm possible in higher elevations.

High Winds to Cause Additional Hazards

South-easterly winds are expected to strengthen on Saturday, with gusts reaching up to 60mph in inland areas and up to 70mph along exposed coastal routes. The winds could bring down trees, damage infrastructure, and further disrupt travel. Coastal areas are bracing for large waves, and high-sided vehicles have been advised to avoid exposed routes.

Police have reiterated their advice for residents to remain cautious: “Travel only if necessary and avoid coastal and high-altitude routes. Expect delays and potential road closures due to fallen trees and debris.”

Republic of Ireland Faces Severe Flooding

In the Republic of Ireland, Met Éireann has issued red weather alerts for rain in Cork and Galway. The alerts warn of severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and dangerous travel conditions from midnight Friday into Saturday morning. Yellow wind and rain warnings have been extended to cover the rest of the country, with some counties placed under Status Orange alerts for heavy rain on Saturday.

Widespread Impacts of Storm Bert

The storm’s impacts have extended beyond travel disruptions. Coastal towns like Donaghadee in County Down are already experiencing storm surges and high waves. Residents along the coastline are preparing for potential property damage as water levels rise.

Power outages have also been reported in rural and coastal areas, with energy providers on high alert to address damage caused by falling trees and high winds.

Safety and Preparedness

Authorities have issued several safety recommendations to help residents navigate the challenging conditions:

• Motorists: Equip vehicles with winter tires and carry emergency supplies such as blankets and food. Avoid non-essential travel.
• Residents: Secure outdoor furniture and prepare for possible power outages by keeping flashlights and batteries on hand.
• Businesses: Reinforce shopfronts and take measures to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas.

The Met Office has emphasized the importance of staying informed. Real-time weather updates can be accessed via the Met Office and Met Éireann websites.

Looking Ahead

As Storm Bert progresses, conditions are expected to improve by Sunday, though residual flooding and infrastructure damage may continue to affect some areas. Emergency services and local councils are coordinating efforts to clear snow, repair damage, and ensure the safety of residents.

The combination of heavy snow, rain, and winds highlights the severity of winter weather challenges in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, reminding residents to stay vigilant and prepared as the season continues.