Powerful Storm Lashes Ireland, Killing at Least 3 People
The storm churned north across Ireland on Monday and was expected to move toward Britain late Monday or early Tuesday, according to Britain’s
national weather service, the Met Office, which called the storm "ex-Hurricane Ophelia." Ophelia’s impact was already being felt in Britain.
16, 2017
BALLYFERRITER, Ireland — One of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the northeastern Atlantic bore down on Ireland on Monday, unleashing strong winds and rain
that killed at least three people and visited destruction on an island with little experience of such powerful storms.
The national weather service, Met Eireann, issued its first red alert for severe weather for the entire country Sunday night, warning of "violent
and destructive gusts" and of "potential loss of life." By Monday afternoon, at least three people had been killed, officials said.
#Ophelia pic.twitter.com/qF9B47Ty3i The national police force, An Garda Siochana, said Monday afternoon
that the storm would "bring further violent and destructive winds" and flooding that would endanger life and property throughout the night.
Ireland said that It applies to all cities, all counties and all areas.
Shane Ross, Ireland’s transportation minister, said at a news conference on Monday
that even after the storm passed, "The roads will not be safe." "There will be flooding, and it will be very dangerous," he said.