Storm Dave has made landfall in Ireland, triggering widespread power outages and significant aviation disruptions as severe gusts sweep across the country. Approximately 3,000 homes and businesses have lost electricity, while travel chaos has mounted at Dublin Airport, where challenging wind conditions have forced numerous flight cancellations and aborted landings.
The meteorological situation is intensifying, with Met Éireann upgrading the wind warning for County Wexford to status orange. This higher-tier alert is in effect from 6 p.m. To 9 p.m. On Saturday, signaling a period of heightened risk for the southeast coast. The remainder of the country remains under a status yellow wind warning, which is scheduled to expire at 2 a.m. Sunday.
The storm’s arrival has already strained infrastructure, particularly in the west and midlands. Residents in Bundoran, Co. Donegal, and Clara, Co. Offaly, are among those worst affected by the power failures. Utility crews are working to restore service, though the ongoing wind warnings may hamper repair efforts in the most exposed areas.
Aviation disruptions at Dublin Airport
At Dublin Airport, the impact of Storm Dave has been felt acutely on the tarmac and in the terminals. Airport officials confirmed that 15 flights have been cancelled today. Beyond the cancellations, the instability of the wind has forced pilots into 16 “go-arounds”—a safety maneuver where an aircraft aborts its landing approach and climbs back to a safe altitude to attempt the landing again.
One flight was forced to divert entirely due to the severe conditions. Airport authorities have cautioned that further disruption is likely as winds are expected to strengthen throughout the evening. Passengers traveling today are urged to maintain close contact with their airlines for real-time updates on flight status.
Regional weather alerts and flood risks
While wind is the primary concern for much of the country, heavy precipitation has plagued the north and northwest. A status yellow rain warning for Mayo and Donegal was in effect from 8 a.m. Until 4 p.m. Saturday, bringing persistent rainfall to the region.
❗️Update
⚠️Yellow Rain Warning for Mayo & Donegal
⏳08:00 to 16:00 Sat 04/04/26⚠️Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland
⏳13:00 Sat 04/04/26 to 02:00 Sun 05/05/26ℹ️https://t.co/lvQFgW8DsS
ℹ️https://t.co/ktXtWjbfIg pic.twitter.com/W8icS7iLtO— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) April 4, 2026
Forecasters indicate that Storm Dave will bring very strong southerly winds that will veer westerly by Saturday evening. This shift, combined with high tide, has raised significant concerns regarding coastal safety. Met Éireann warned that strong onshore winds could lead to wave overtopping and coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying seaside communities.
In addition to flooding, the public has been cautioned about the risk of fallen trees, flying debris, and generally hazardous traveling conditions across the national road network.
Impact on Northern Ireland and Ulster
The storm’s trajectory has also triggered warnings across the border. The UK Met Office has issued wind warnings for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry. These warnings came into effect at 2 p.m. On Saturday and are set to remain active until 3 a.m. Sunday morning.
Weather patterns in Ulster are expected to be particularly volatile. While rain is set to be heavy and persistent across the north, there is a possibility that precipitation may fall as sleet over higher ground. After a brief drier spell in other parts of the country, heavy rain is expected to spread eastward throughout the afternoon, increasing the likelihood of spot flooding.
Storm Dave Summary: Key Warnings and Effects
| Region/Entity | Warning Level | Primary Impact/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wexford | Orange (Wind) | Severe gusts (6pm–9pm Sat) |
| General Ireland | Yellow (Wind) | Active until 2am Sunday |
| Mayo & Donegal | Yellow (Rain) | Heavy rain until 4pm Saturday |
| Northern Ireland | UK Met Office Warning | Active until 3am Sunday |
| Dublin Airport | Operational Disruption | 15 cancellations, 16 go-arounds |
As the system moves through, temperatures are expected to remain cool, ranging between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius. A gradual clearance to scattered showers is expected to initiate from the west later in the evening.
Emergency services and local authorities remain on alert as the storm reaches its peak intensity in the southeast. Residents in coastal areas are advised to avoid promenades and beaches until the orange warning for Wexford has lapsed and the tide recedes.
The next official weather update from Met Éireann is expected early Sunday morning to confirm the clearance of the system and the status of power restoration in Co. Donegal and Co. Offaly.
Do you have photos or updates on the storm’s impact in your area? Share them with us in the comments or via our social channels.
