Storms set new winter weather records
The spate of winter storms that swept across the country over the last three months has set new records for rain, wind and waves.
Met Éireann revealed that the frequent and persistent Atlantic systems at the end of December and into January and February saw some weather stations record more rain that was seen in more than a century.
Some €70m has been set aside to deal with infrastructure damage from the series of powerful weather systems and more money is expected to be needed.
Valentia reported its wettest winter since records began in 1866 with 848mm (33.3 inches), while Malin Head reported its wettest winter since 1885 with 530.7mm (20.9 inches).
Shannon Airport had its worst winter for rain going back over 68 years of records and Mullingar reported its wettest winter in 63 years with 531.3mm (20.9 inches) and 444.5mm (17.5 inches) of rain respectively.
Other stations in the south, east and west reported their wettest winter in six to 57 years, with Finner in Donegal reporting a total of 510.1mm (20 inches) over the three months and Carlow Oakpark 460.5mm (18.1 inches).
The wettest day of the season was 34.5mm (1.35 inches) at Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, on February 17, its wettest winter day since 2008.
Met Éireann said a new record was also set for the biggest seas off the Irish coast with a wave 25 metres (82ft) high reported at the Kinsale Energy gas platform on February 12 – that day’s storm left about a quarter of million homes and businesses without electricity at one stage.
On the same day on the rigs about 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of Cork winds reportedly gusted to 96 knots or 178kph (110mph).
The Met Éireann winter weather review for December, January and February also revealed the extent of violent storm force winds right across the country with the series of Atlantic depressions.
Meteorologists said the winds were above average for the time of year, with Dublin and Shannon airport recording their highest averages since 1943 and 1983.
Met Éireann said the highest gust inland was 86 knots or 159 kph (98mph) at Shannon Airport on February 12 – the highest on record for winter in 68 years.
Experts have said the series of depressions to hit Ireland, and Britain, this winter have been caused by a shift in the jet stream, the fast-moving layer of air in the upper atmosphere which dictates weather patterns in the north Atlantic.
