Northern Ireland

Storm Abigail batters Ireland and the UK

Struggling through the wind at Jordanstown Loughshore Park as Storm Abigail descends (Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker)
Struggling through the wind at Jordanstown Loughshore Park as Storm Abigail descends (Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker) Struggling through the wind at Jordanstown Loughshore Park as Storm Abigail descends (Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker)

GALE FORCE winds, thunder and torrential rain showers are expected across Ireland over the next few days as Storm Abigail descends. 

Coastal areas in the north west are predicted to be the worst affected. 

Glengormley householders are cleaning up after what has been described as a “mini tornado” hit the area this afternoon.

Met Eireann issued weather warnings this afternoon, predicting winds of up to 120km (75 miles) an hour to hit Donegal and Derry tonight. 

They have also predicted showers of rain and hail across Ireland and for the evening to be cold, with the lowest temperatures predicted to range from 2 to 6 degrees celsius. 

Friday will also be cold, with thundery rain and hail showers and strong westerly winds throughout the day.

Although showers are expected in northern and western counties on Friday evening, it is expected to be a mostly dry night. 

Heavy rain may cause flooding in some northwestern areas on Saturday and it is to remain cold over the weekend. 

Abagail has already begun to disrupt transport as strong winds caused extensive delays and a small number of cancelled flights at Dublin airport.

Gardai are urging motorists to excerise caution during the storm, as is the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The RSA has asked road users to take 'extreme care' when travelling. 

They advise motorists to beware of objects being blown into the road and fallen debris.

They also remind motorists to be aware of road users that are vulnerable to strong cross winds like motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. 

Abigail is the first storm to be officially named by the Met Office and Met Eireann.

The name was one of 21 chosen as the result of a public vote used to name particularly severe storms affecting Ireland and Britain. 

By spring, Ireland could be on the receiving end of Storm Clodagh, Orla, Frank and Barney, among others.