Storm Bram Triggers Weather Warnings Across Ireland as Powerful Winds and Flood Risk Loom
Storm Bram: Fresh weather warnings have been issued across the island of Ireland as Storm Bram is set to sweep in from late Monday, bringing the threat of powerful winds, intense rainfall and major transport disruption. The deep Atlantic low-pressure system is forecast to push northwards overnight into Tuesday, with conditions expected to worsen rapidly as the storm tracks closer to Ireland.
Forecasters say wind speeds will steadily increase through Tuesday morning, with gusts of around 50mph (80km/h) becoming widespread by midday before strengthening further into the afternoon. Authorities on both sides of the border have urged the public to prepare for hazardous travel, coastal flooding and potential power outages as the storm system intensifies.
Storm Bram Weather Warning Issued for Northern Ireland
The Met Office has placed all of Northern Ireland under a yellow wind warning from 09:00 to 21:00 GMT on Tuesday. Officials say gusts of 50–60mph (80–100km/h) are likely across many areas, while exposed headlands and higher ground could see gusts exceeding 70mph (115km/h).
Forecasters also cautioned that winds could become even stronger if the storm’s track shifts closer to Ireland than currently predicted. The expected impacts include transport delays, dangerous coastal conditions with large waves, flying debris, damage to buildings and a risk of power cuts.
The Department for Infrastructure confirmed that road and river teams have been clearing gullies and drainage systems as a precaution. Additional staff have been placed on standby, and temporary flood defences have already been installed in areas considered most vulnerable.
Widespread Council Closures Announced for Tuesday
With severe weather expected, multiple councils across Northern Ireland have announced precautionary closures for Tuesday.
Ards and North Down Borough Council confirmed that Bangor Castle Walled Garden, including the Jingle Bell Trail, will be shut. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council will close parks, open spaces, golf courses, caravan parks and outdoor facilities, although household recycling centres will remain open where conditions allow.
Belfast City Council has closed both Victoria Park and the Belfast Christmas Market. Derry City and Strabane District Council will shut all open spaces such as parks and play areas, while cemeteries will remain open for burials only.
Further closures include recycling centres, parks and trails in Fermanagh and Omagh, Lisburn Light Trail in Lisburn and Castlereagh, several parks in Mid and East Antrim, caravan parks and observatory facilities in Mid Ulster, and forest parks and harbours under Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Storm Bram Disrupts Flights and Ferry Services
Significant travel disruption is already being reported ahead of the storm’s arrival. Ten outbound flights from Belfast City Airport to Great Britain have been cancelled for Tuesday, along with 11 inbound services, many involving Aer Lingus regional propeller aircraft. Several dozen flights between Dublin Airport and Great Britain have also been cancelled.
Ferry services are similarly affected. The 11:30, 15:30 and 19:30 Stena Line sailings between Belfast and Cairnryan have been cancelled, with the late-night 23:30 service currently listed as “in doubt.” Sailings between Dublin and Holyhead have also suffered multiple cancellations. All P&O ferry crossings between Larne and Cairnryan have been called off for the day.
Passengers have been advised to check operator updates before travelling and to avoid unnecessary journeys during peak storm conditions.
Republic of Ireland Braced for Strongest Impacts
The most severe conditions are forecast for parts of the west and south of the Republic of Ireland, where the strongest gusts are expected along exposed coastal areas. Met Éireann has issued multiple wind and rain warnings, highlighting the risks of dangerous driving, localised flooding, large coastal waves, flying debris and disruption to outdoor events.
A nationwide yellow wind warning will come into force from 06:00 to 21:00 on Tuesday. This will be upgraded to orange for Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford from 07:00 to 15:00. A second orange warning will apply to counties including Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Sligo and several others from 10:00 to 21:00.
A separate rain warning has also been issued for southern and south-western areas overnight into Tuesday morning. Met Éireann warned that flooding is more likely because rain will fall on already saturated ground and many rivers are approaching full capacity. With high astronomical tides coinciding with strong onshore winds, officials have also cautioned that coastal flooding is a serious risk.
Storm Bram is the second named storm of the season, following Storm Amy in October, which caused widespread damage and disruption. A man later died in Donegal in what authorities described as a weather-related incident linked to that earlier storm.
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