Storm “Atiyah” brings widespread disruptions across Ireland and UK

Storm "Atiyah" hit Ireland and the United Kingdom on Sunday, December 8, 2019, bringing high winds, rough seas, and heavy rains across the region. Widespread traffic disruptions and power outages were reported.

​The bad weather continued into Monday and Tuesday, December 10 when two yellow alerts were issued. Gusts of up to 161 km/h (100 mph) were predicted to keep the disruption through Thursday, December 12, likely affecting voting in the general election.

Power companies registered 26 faults in the southwest on Sunday and two in Wales.

Moreover, there were lane closures on the M48 Severn Bridge. Coastal communities were warned of tidal surges that could send debris over sea defenses.

"The strong winds are pretty widespread," said the Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill. "It’s very windy in the west and south-west so that’s where we’re going to see the greatest impact, unfortunately."

Furthermore, the Met Office said road, rail, air, and ferry transport disruptions were also likely to continue. Motorists were advised to practice caution on all roads. Uprooted trees, poles, and debris were seen on a number of roads in counties Kerry, Sligo, Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Longford.

In Ireland, warnings of coastal flooding were issued. Several Christmas events across the country were postponed due to high winds.

Met Eireann's yellow wind warnings were in place until 16:00 UTC on December 10.

"Strong and gusty southwest winds will veer westerly early this afternoon with some severe and damaging gusts; heavy squally spells of rain continuing too," a spokesman said.

Moreover, this week will be an "unsettled week with blustery winds, outbreaks of heavy rain, and colder than normal."

No injuries or fatalities have been reported.

Clearing up after #StormAtiyah @PaigntonZoo @teigntrees pic.twitter.com/aLVe9Qut3N

— Miriam Haas (@MiriamHaas11) December 10, 2019

@alexhat16 Check out these waves across the pond in the UK as #StormAtiyah battered coastal area's up to 80MPH they had hail thunder lightning @BLibbywx @pwright_wx @zangarawx @jesswxstorm @checkwithchels @AllisonChinchar @DanielleDavisWX  pic.twitter.com/PCv2dRJmZe

— Richard Carter  (@Richard98374360) December 10, 2019

Please notes Dursey Cable Car is no longer operating due to gusts exceeding safety limits. #StormAtiyah Cable car operations will be suspended tomorrow (Monday) and are scheduled to recommence following an inspection on Tuesday morning. pic.twitter.com/M0mln62hPb

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) December 8, 2019

Large tree down on the B4312 Johnstown to Llangain. Road completely blocked. Police and council are in attendance. Please take extra time to make your journeys this morning. Road conditions are very poor and there are multiple trees down throughout the force area. #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/PqSiyWsuer

— Carms Roads Policing  (@RPUCarms) December 9, 2019

Council crews in Dingle have removed this shed which blew onto the road near Murrioch and the road is fully open.#StormAtiyah pic.twitter.com/bXNzpjzd8F

— Kerry County Council (@countykerry) December 8, 2019

Featured image credit: Mat Hammond