The Aftermath of Hurricane Ernesto: Wet and Windy Conditions Expected for Ireland

Hurricane Ernesto, which swept through the Caribbean over the weekend with winds reaching 136kph, is set to leave its mark on Ireland this week, bringing wet and windy conditions.

The national forecaster, Met Eireann, has outlined that the remnants of the hurricane, which left many without power in Bermuda and Puerto Rico last week, will pass over Ireland on its way to the United Kingdom.

The impact of the storm will be felt in Ireland early this week, with Met Eireann stating that Ireland may experience some associated wet and windy weather on Wednesday through to Thursday.

What to Expect

Ernesto's arrival on Irish shores could mean that Ireland could face thunderstorms and potentially severe flooding in the coming days.

Met Éireann will continue to monitor the evolution of Hurricane Ernesto and any potential influence it could have on meteorological activity across Ireland.

“Ernesto is expected to transition into a mid-latitude storm as it approaches north-eastern Canada early this week,” Met Éireann’s Brandon Creagh said.

“From there, its remnants may track eastwards into the open Atlantic, with a potential impact on Ireland’s weather by mid-week.”

Met Éireann, in its own readings, stressed that there is a “high degree of uncertainty” in the forecast.

The forecaster’s report on the Atlantic Hurricane season explained that by the time hurricanes reach Ireland they are no longer classified as hurricanes but have transitioned into “post or extra-tropical storms”.

However, they can still be quite powerful and damaging, particularly Hurricane Ophelia (2017), Charley (1986) and Hurricane Debbie (1961).

“Although climate change is not expected to lead to more tropical storms or hurricanes forming over the Atlantic in the future, the storms that do develop will have the potential to becoming stronger and more intense,” it reads.

Alan O’Reilly, who runs his own private forecasting social media site Carlow Weather, was tracking the hurricane over the weekend.

“Hurricane Ernesto has gone through Bermuda causing some damage and it will take a turn northeast into the Atlantic this week with the remnants possibly bringing us some windy weather Wednesday night into Thursday,” he told the Irish Independent.

Hurricane Ernesto is the fifth storm of this year’s Atlantic season according to the National Hurricane Centre and Met Éireann.

Preparing for Potential Impact

The week will be breezy with some areas experiencing rain and showers at times.

While Met Éireann has not yet issued any yellow weather wind warnings for the Republic of Ireland, a Status Yellow sea gale warning from Belfast Lough to Carnsore Point to Valentia and on the Irish Sea is in place from 10am to 8pm on Monday.

Monday’s forecast details outbreaks of rain moving across the country, with potential for some heavy falls and coastal flooding especially in parts of the south and east.

An isolated thundery burst is possible also, with drier weather in the afternoon and evening.

There will be gusty winds at times with gales developing along the south and east coast, with temperatures reaching up to 19 degrees.

Staying Informed and Safe

It’s important to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions. Follow official weather sources such as Met Éireann and the Met Office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Be prepared for potential power outages and ensure you have a plan in place in case of flooding. Secure loose objects outdoors and be aware of the potential for downed trees and power lines.

Stay safe and be mindful of your surroundings during this period of unsettled weather.