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Storm Kathleen Cuts Power for Thousands and Sea Breaches Salthill Promenade

6th April 2024
In Galway, the sea breached the Salthill promenade, flooding the Toft carpark and the Seapoint area close to the Atlantaquaria
In Galway, the sea breached the Salthill promenade, flooding the Toft carpark and the Seapoint area close to the Atlantaquaria.

Over 34,000 homes and businesses are reported to have suffered power outages due to Storm Kathleen, as southerly to south-westerly gale force winds swept across the western seaboard.

In Galway, the sea breached the Salthill promenade, flooding the Toft carpark and the Seapoint area close to the Atlantaquaria.

Galway City Council crews were on standby, the Salthill promenade road was closed, and fears of further damage were allayed when the southerly winds veered south-west before high tide.

Ferries, flights and trains have all been disrupted, and status Orange weather warnings issued by Met Éireann remained in effect on Saturday evening in counties Kerry, Cork, Galway and Mayo.

ESB Networks said it expected further power outages, and crews were responding where safe to do so.

In Belfast, the Titanic Belfast centre was closed when the roof was damaged by high winds.

Belfast Harbour Police set up cordons around the building and visitors were escorted out via a side door.

Titanic Belfast said in a statement that it had taken the precautionary measure to close the building to the public for the remainder of the weekend.

Published in Weather, Galway Harbour
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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.