Storm Dave Disrupts Dublin Airport: 17 Flights Canceled, 18,000 Lose Power
Storm Dave disrupted air travel and power supplies across Ireland over the Easter weekend. Dublin Airport recorded multiple cancellations and aborted landings as winds intensified.
Airport disruptions and diversions
The Dublin Airport Authority reported 17 flights canceled. Crews recorded 53 go-arounds and 13 flight diversions during peak conditions. Passengers were urged to contact their airlines or check the DAA website before travel.
Thousands of travellers bound for Cork were diverted to Shannon Airport. Many passengers then took buses from Shannon to Cork after landing.
Flights redirected to Shannon
Shannon Airport said nine aircraft diverted there on Saturday afternoon. Several flights originally bound for Cork or Dublin landed at Shannon instead.
- Flights from London Stansted intended for Cork were diverted.
- A flight from Lanzarote due for Dublin was redirected.
- Passengers from Amsterdam, Reus and Palma de Mallorca meant for Cork arrived in Shannon.
- Additional diversions included services from Alicante, Bristol, and Barcelona.
Power outages and safety warnings
The ESB reported about 18,000 homes, farms and businesses without power by 8pm on Saturday. Network crews were mobilised and responded where it was safe to do so.
The ESB warned the public to avoid fallen wires and damaged electrical infrastructure. Damage should be reported to 1800 372 999.
Why the storm was so strong
Meteorologists said Storm Dave was fuelled by a strong jet stream. Contrasting air temperatures between a cold north and warm south amplified the system.
Met Éireann meteorologist Gerry Murphy warned of winds exceeding 100 km/h. Offshore gusts could top 120 km/h around Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Official watches and coastal risks
The UK Met Office issued a Yellow wind warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry. It also cautioned about dangerous sea conditions.
Authorities advised the public to avoid forests, country parks, and exposed coastal areas while the storm persisted. High spring tides could worsen coastal flooding risks.
Weather impacts and outlook
Southerly winds veered south-westerly, bringing heavy rain and coastal surges. Rain moved north on Saturday morning, with sleet or snow on higher ground in Ulster.
Heavier, persistent rain spread eastwards in the afternoon, raising spot-flooding concerns. Temperatures were generally between 9°C and 13°C during the day.
Saturday night began wet and windy, with conditions clearing to scattered showers later. Nighttime lows ranged from 0°C to 4°C before cloudier conditions raised temperatures.
Easter Sunday looked bright and breezy with scattered showers and sunny spells. Daytime temperatures were forecast around 7°C to 10°C.
Met Éireann expected unsettled weather to continue into next week. Easter Monday should be windy and mostly dry, with mild temperatures near 10°C to 13°C.
Filmogaz.com confirmed that Storm Dave forced Dublin Airport to cancel 17 flights and left roughly 18,000 customers without power. Travelers and residents were advised to follow official updates and safety guidance.
