Storm Debi leaves a trail of disruption across Ireland and Northern Ireland

Storm Debi hit Ireland and Northern Ireland on Monday, November 13, 2023, leading to extensive power outages, road network disruptions, and flooding, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents and emergency services in these regions.

Storm Debi, the fourth named storm of the 2023/24 European windstorm season, has significantly impacted Ireland and Northern Ireland on November 13, 2023, causing extensive power outages and flooding.

“Debi has developed rapidly overnight and will bring impacts across parts of the UK today. Because of the particular risk of impacts to parts of County Armagh and County Down this morning and parts of northwest England through much of the day we have issued two amber wind warnings,” Matthew Lehnert, a Chief Meteorologist with the Met Office said.

Approximately 80 000 homes and businesses in Ireland have been left without electricity due to the storm’s impact. The Irish national electricity provider, ESB, reported considerable damage to the network, predominantly in the western, midwest, and midlands regions. Claregalway in Co Galway and Mohill in Co Leitrim were among the most severely affected areas.

The progression of Storm Debi led to escalating weather warnings by Met Éireann, including Status Red wind warnings in several counties and a Status Orange wind warning in various areas. Despite the lifting of the most severe warnings, the number of power outages was expected to increase as the storm continued its eastward trajectory. The ESB deployed all available resources to address the outages and warned the public to avoid any fallen wires or damaged electricity networks​​.

In Northern Ireland, the storm’s impact was felt through severe rainfall and flooding, particularly affecting parts of the road network. Police officers reported dealing with a collision on the M1 due to the adverse weather conditions. Motorists were advised to slow down and allow extra time for travel due to hazardous conditions, including surface water. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) advised people to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay at home if possible, as Storm Debi brought strong winds amid an amber weather warning​​​​.

Debi will move into the North Sea on Monday evening.

Early morning flooding due to Storm Debi in Salthill and Galway, Ireland 🇮🇪 | 13 November 2023 | #Debi #StormDebi #storm #Ireland pic.twitter.com/eNKeTAT4rY

— Disaster Tracker (@DisasterTrackHQ) November 13, 2023

High tide flooding earlier this morning in Galway, Ireland 🇮🇪 | 13 November 2023 | #StormDebi #Debi #Ireland #flooding #floodspic.twitter.com/LipVatRtvn

— Disaster Tracker (@DisasterTrackHQ) November 13, 2023

Several parts of the road network are flooded this morning after plenty of rain overnight – we are already dealing with a collision.

If driving this morning, please slow down… alow some extra time for your journey, as there may be surface water and some hazardous conditions. pic.twitter.com/afl7l1Vbgm

— NI Road Policing and Safety (@NIRoadPolicing) November 13, 2023

References:

¹ Around 80,000 homes and businesses without power as Storm Debi hits country – TheJournal.ie – November 2023

² Storm Debi sparks UK tornado warning – while thousands of Brits suffer hay fever hell – Daily Star – November 2023

³ Storm Debi live as Met Office issues UK weather warning and forecasts rain barrage for Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Live – November 2023

⁴ Storm Debi is battering Ireland with Co Down and Co Armagh expected to be worst hit in the north” – The Irish News – November 2023

⁵ Storm Debi yellow weather warning causes flooding across parts of road network in Northern Ireland” – UTV | ITV News – November 2023

Featured image credit: Disaster Tracker (stillshot)