Storm Boelo has prompted status orange wind warnings across five counties, with Met Éireann forecasting gusts of up to 130km/h as the system sweeps in from the Atlantic. The orange alert for Galway, Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim and Sligo took effect at 2pm on Saturday and remains in force until 9am on Sunday, according to The Irish Times. Forecasters warn of gale force westerly winds with the potential for severe and damaging gusts.
The storm arrived just days after Storm Austen, and its timing — the weekend before Halloween — has already forced the cancellation of seasonal events in several parts of the country.
Why it matters
The warnings cover a large stretch of the west and northwest, where the strongest winds are expected. Met Éireann meteorologist Niall Donlan, speaking on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor Show, said gusts in orange warning areas could reach 130km/h, while mean wind speeds may hit 80km/h. In yellow warning zones, he said winds of 50 to 65km/h are expected with gusts of 90 to 110km/h.
Because the ground is already saturated after recent weather, there is concern that flooding could occur in places that are not directly covered by the wind alerts. Donlan said west Cork and Kerry are particularly vulnerable, describing the ground there as waterlogged. He added that there had been no reports of flooding as of lunchtime on Saturday, but advised people to take care near the coast and to stay away from coastal areas where possible.
Warnings in force across the island
A status orange rain warning for Galway and Kerry lapsed at 2pm on Saturday. A status yellow wind warning for Connacht, Clare, Kerry and Limerick began at 1pm and runs until midnight. Donegal is under a yellow wind warning until 3pm on Sunday, while Cavan and Monaghan face a yellow wind warning from 6pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday.
A further yellow wind warning covers Cavan, Dublin, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Westmeath from 6pm on Saturday to midday on Sunday, with very strong winds and severe gusts forecast. A status red marine warning from Rossan Point to Bloody Foreland to Fair Head takes effect at 7pm on Saturday and lasts until 6am on Sunday.
In Northern Ireland, an amber wind alert for Antrim and Derry begins at 9pm and continues until 10am on Sunday, while a yellow wind warning applies across the region until noon on Sunday.
Marathon and Halloween events affected
Roughly 22,000 runners are due to take part in the Dublin City Marathon on Sunday, with a wind warning in place for the capital. Organisers said preparations were proceeding as planned and that weather monitoring is built into their event planning. A spokesman encouraged participants to wear suitable layers before the start and to have warm, dry clothing ready at the finish.
The Lú Festival of Light in Drogheda was called off on Saturday. Louth County Council said the decision was disappointing but that the safety of attendees, staff and performers came first. In Limerick, the "Trick or Treat in the City" event at Arthur's Quay Park was also cancelled.
Travel disruption begins to build
Sea crossings were the first to feel the impact. Some Stena Line sailings between Dublin and Holyhead were cancelled on Saturday, including the 4pm and 10.15pm crossings from Holyhead to Dublin. Irish Ferries said its 7.30pm Dublin to Holyhead service was in doubt, and booked passengers were advised to contact the operator.
Dublin and Shannon airports reported no major delays or cancellations, but DAA, which operates Dublin and Cork airports, warned that strong winds could cause some disruption and urged passengers to stay in touch with their airlines. Bus Éireann said some routes would be disrupted or cancelled and asked passengers to check its website for updates.
In Kerry, flooding was reported on the R553 between Listowel and Lisselton, and the civic amenity and recycling centre in Cahersiveen closed on Saturday because of the conditions.
With the orange warning running until Sunday morning and several yellow alerts stretching into the afternoon, further disruption to travel and outdoor events remains likely.
