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Cork's Fastnet Lighthouse Records Gust of 84 Knots as Storm Barra Hits Ireland (Vid)

7th December 2021
The scene on the Fastnet Lighthouse this morning with the helipad covered with spray and spume in Storm Barra
The scene on the Fastnet Lighthouse this morning with the helipad covered with spray and spume in Storm Barra Credit: Irish Lights/Twitter

A number of weather warnings have taken effect across the country, as Storm Barra arrives, bringing gusts in excess of 130km/h.

After making landfall this morning, Storm Barra has caused some flooding in the south and has already left at least 33,000 homes and businesses without power.

The Fastnet lighthouse recorded a gust of 84 knots (155km/h) at 8 am this morning. 

A Status Red wind warning for Cork and Kerry has been active from 6 am, while a similar warning for Clare will be in place from 4pm.

In all three counties, wind speeds of over 80 km/h, with severe or damaging gusts in excess of 130km/h, have been forecast by Met Éireann.

A gust of 113 km/h was recorded at around 6 am on Sherkin Island, located just off Cork's coast.

The weather warnings will be in place until 9pm tonight, when these counties will enter a Status Orange wind warning, which will remain in place until 6am tomorrow morning.

 

Published in Weather
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About Afloat.ie – Weather

At Afloat.ie – Weather, we provide timely marine and coastal weather updates relevant to Ireland’s sailing, boating, fishing and watersports communities. The page features real-time reports, storm alerts, forecasts and climate-related developments that help readers stay informed about changing conditions around the Irish coast and offshore waters. From wind patterns and wave activity to severe weather advisories, our coverage draws on trusted sources such as Met Éireann and recognised maritime authorities.

We highlight significant events — like winter storms, heat anomalies or shifts in sea temperatures — with clear, accessible summaries and links to further detail when available. Our aim is to support safer maritime activity by sharing alerts, developments and relevant commentary as they arise. While we don’t generate forecasts in-house, we curate and reference authoritative information so users can quickly spot issues that may affect planning or navigation.

Readers turn to this section for storm warnings, weather-related incidents, research news and emerging climate impacts on Irish waters. It’s a practical resource for staying aware of conditions without claiming to replace official forecasting services.