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Storm Chandra brought widespread disruption across Ireland on Tuesday, forcing hundreds of schools to close and leaving tens of thousands of properties without power. The severe weather system battered the island with strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing significant impacts to transportation, education, and essential services throughout both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
According to British news agency PA Media, the powerful storms and rain disrupted air travel across the region. In Northern Ireland alone, more than 300 schools were forced to shut their doors as authorities issued yellow weather warnings for rainfall across several counties. At least 30 flights were canceled at Belfast’s main airport on Tuesday, leaving travelers stranded.
Power Outages Affect Thousands During Storm Chandra
The electricity provider in Northern Ireland reported that approximately 10,000 properties were currently without power due to Storm Chandra. Meanwhile, the situation in the Republic of Ireland proved equally challenging, with the Electricity Supply Board stating that around 20,000 homes, farms, and businesses lost electrical service as the storm system moved through the area.
The combination of strong winds and sustained rainfall created hazardous conditions across the island. Northern Ireland police confirmed that continuous heavy rain had already caused flooding on numerous roads, creating dangerous driving conditions and travel delays for commuters and residents.
Transportation Networks Face Major Disruptions
The aviation sector experienced substantial setbacks as Storm Chandra continued to impact the region. The cancellation of at least 30 flights from Belfast airport on Tuesday highlighted the severity of the weather conditions. However, authorities have not confirmed the full extent of delays and cancellations across other regional airports.
Additionally, road networks faced significant challenges due to flooding caused by the persistent rainfall. Police urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when traveling, though specific road closure numbers have not been officially released. The flooding posed risks not only to daily commuters but also to emergency services attempting to respond to weather-related incidents.
Educational Institutions Take Precautionary Measures
The decision to close more than 300 schools in Northern Ireland reflected the serious nature of Storm Chandra’s impact. Educational authorities prioritized student safety by implementing closures before conditions deteriorated further. The report indicates that additional schools may have closed in the Republic of Ireland, though official figures remain unconfirmed.
In contrast to previous weather events, Storm Chandra’s impact appeared concentrated on infrastructure and daily operations rather than causing immediate reports of serious injuries. Nevertheless, emergency services remained on high alert as the storm system continued affecting the region.
Regional Response to Severe Weather Conditions
Utility companies mobilized teams to restore power to affected properties, though the ongoing severe weather complicated restoration efforts. The electricity providers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland worked to assess damage and prioritize repairs. However, the companies have not provided specific timelines for when all customers would see service restored.
Weather warnings remained in effect across multiple counties as meteorological services continued monitoring Storm Chandra’s progression. The yellow warning level indicated that residents should remain prepared for continued adverse conditions, including additional rainfall and strong winds that could exacerbate existing flooding and power outages.
Authorities have not yet announced when normal services are expected to resume across affected areas. The duration of school closures, power restoration efforts, and travel disruptions will likely depend on Storm Chandra’s movement and the success of emergency response operations in the coming days.
