Storm Agnes latest: Met Office issues new weather warning for torrential rain

Rocky landings have been pictured at Dublin Airport as Storm Agnes has swept the UK and Ireland.

However, the airport said it is operating normally but had received a number of flights that had been diverted from Kerry Airport.

Cork Airport has experienced some delays and cancellations, and a spokesperson from Belfast City Airport said disruption to schedules across the UK due to the weather is “likely”.

Storm Agnes has caused damage to buildings, power outages and travel disruption as heavy winds and rain affect the island of Ireland.

A roof has been blown off a building in Co Cork and a woman had to be rescued from her car in Co Londonderry as a result of flooding.

The Republic and Northern Ireland saw travel disruption, with fallen trees blocking roads and flights and ferries also being affected.

In Draperstown, Co Derry, a woman was rescued from her car after it was trapped by floodwater.

When fire crews from Maghera and Magherafelt arrived at the scene, the car was submerged in the River Moyola.

A firefighter broke a rear window of the car and brought the driver out onto the roof. They walked over a ladder to safety shortly before the car was fully submerged in the river.

The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) has advised motorists not to attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords during the storm, and not to travel in heavy rain unless absolutely necessary.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council announced the closure of a range of outdoor facilities including Antrim Castle Grounds, Crumlin Glen, the golf course at Ballyearl Arts & Leisure Centre and the golf course at Allen Park.

In Northern Ireland, a yellow warning for rain is in place until 8pm on Wednesday, with a yellow warning for high winds.

The Met Office has warned this could lead to an increased risk of flooding as the storm continues to push north and east.

A helicopter company has had to ‘reschedule’ their flights due to Storm Agnes.

Penzance Helicopters Travel, a helicopter company based in Penzance, Cornwall, wrote on social media platform X: “Good morning, we have re-scheduled our flights today due to Storm Agnes, all passengers have been offered a move to a different day which most have taken but we still have some flights scheduled later today which may or may not operate depending on what the storm brings!”

According to the Met Office, Storm Agnes is set to bring 75mph winds to some coastal areas in the UK.

As Storm Agnes hits the UK, weather warnings have been announced across the country with winds of 75mph expected.

The Met Office has said that the first named storm of the season will “rapidly intensify”, with a danger to life warning issued by the forecaster from Wednesday until Thursday.

While initially a bright and dry morning, Storm Agnes is set to arrive from the west by the afternoon, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that could cause flooding and disruption to travel services.

Holly Evans has more:

As the evening rush hour beckons, Storm Agnes is causing heavy traffic across the UK, data from navigation app Waze shows.

The UK roads will be taking the brunt of the weather, strong winds, obstructions and heightened congestion, experts from the app advised.

“Several regions across Ireland have been hit with strong winds driven by Storm Agnes, with further stormy weather and high-speed winds expected”, a spokesperson for Waze said.

“This is causing significant congestion for drivers in Cork, with the Waze Live Map showing bumper to bumper traffic on the R610 Parnell Pl and speeds as low as 4mph. Heavy traffic can also be seen on Anglesea Street, with reported speeds of 6mph.”

“With strong winds expected over the next two days, be sure to check the Waze Live Map or Waze app for the latest real-time updates on road closures, weather hazards, accidents, and more, ensuring those making essential journeys are informed before the set off.”

The storm is likely to cause “dangerous conditions” on the coasts around the UK and Ireland, according to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

They advised staying a “safe distance” away from the water and cliff edges.

Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Commander Bev Allen said: “The first few storms of the autumn and winter are always a little frightening for us, as people are still in summer mode, the power of the waves can take them by surprise.

“We would encourage people to stay away from the water’s edge in stormy weather - it’s not worth risking your life for that selfie. Keep off groynes, piers, jetties and harbour walls. If you can feel the spray, you’re too close.”

On the weather from Thursday, Mr Petagna said: “The weather will stay unsettled for the next few days but we are not expecting it to be as impactful.”

The Met Office names its storms when they are set to have a medium or high impact on the UK in order to help it communicate with the public in times of severe weather, announcing a list of storm names at the start of the new season in September.

These are compiled jointly by the UK’s Met Office, Irish meteorologists at Met Éireann and the Dutch forecasters at KNMI.

The Met Office welcomes suggestions from the public, who have been invited to submit names for future storms since 2015.

The institution says it usually receives thousands of suggestions throughout the year, which it uses to come up with the list of future storm names, along with suggestions from the Irish and Dutch weather services.

It makes sure to choose “some of the more popular names and names that reflect the diversity of the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands”.

The list starts with A and runs through the alphabet, alternating between traditional male and female names. However, there are no storm names starting with Q, U, X, Y and Z. This is to maintain consistency with the US, which does not use these letters to name storms either.

A spokesperson at National Highways has warned British drivers to “adjust” their driving behaviour whilst Storm Agnes ensues.

Steve Basterfield, national network manager at National Highways, said: “With the stormy weather being forecast, it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.

“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling amid storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicle, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”

Cork Airport has experienced some delays and cancellations amidst Storm Agnes, and a spokesperson from Belfast City Airport said disruption to schedules across the UK due to the weather is “likely.”

Meanwhile, Dublin Airport said it is operating normally, but had received a number of flights that had been diverted from Kerry Airport.

In a statement, Irish Ferries said disruption to schedules may be experienced due to adverse weather conditions over the coming days, with passengers advised to check schedules.

Fallen trees are being reported across the island, with the roof being blown off a building in Youghal, Co Cork.

Kerry County Council said it has crews dealing with fallen trees and branches at a number of locations.