Latest: Storm Dave grounds flights as powerful winds continue to lash Ireland

Sat, 04 Apr, 2026 - 08:13

Greg Murphy

Latest: Strong winds associated with Storm Dave continue to impact flight operations across the country this afternoon.

Dublin Airport has confirmed that so far today, airlines have cancelled 25 flights, including 12 departures and 13 arrivals.

In a post on X, Dublin Airport said: "There have also been 24 go arounds and five diversions due to challenging wind conditions."

"Further disruption is possible this evening as winds are expected to remain strong. Passengers due to fly later today should contact their airline directly for updates regarding the status of their flight."

In Cork, many departing flights have also been cancelled or delayed, with Cork Airport advising passengers that, "with disruption to flight schedules today, passengers seeking information should refer to airline websites/mobile apps for updates. Passengers travelling to and from Cork Airport should be mindful of difficult travel conditions."

Storm Dave is playing a windy game at Dublin Airport today ✈️

Shoutout to all the pilots and Air Traffic Control who have done a storming job keeping things moving safely today 👏#dublinairport #StormDave pic.twitter.com/rS5YowPyTQ
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 4, 2026

Earlier: Met Éireann has updated one county to a status orange wind warning as Storm Dave brings severe gusts nationwide.

A status orange wind warning has been issued for Wexford. The updated warning will come into effect from 6pm and remain in place until 9pm on Saturday, April 4.

Winds at Owenahincha were recorded at 35kmh with potent gusts as high as 52kmh. Picture: Andy Gibson

A status yellow rain warning has been issued for Mayo and Donegal as heavy downpours are expected to cause disruption on Saturday.

Met Éireann said rain, heavy at times, will move into both counties from 8am until 4pm on Saturday, April 4. Possible impacts include localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travel conditions.

The warning comes as Storm Dave approaches Ireland, with a separate status yellow wind alert set to come into effect nationwide later today.

Met Éireann said the wind warning will run from 1pm today until 2am tomorrow, with the “most disruptive spell of windy weather” expected during that period.

The storm is forecast to bring “very strong southerly winds, veering westerly by the evening with severe gusts and coastal gales”.

Strong winds caused a RIB to break its moorings and smash onto the rocks in Schull. The boat owners were seen attempting to save the boat. Picture: Andy Gibson

Storm Dave is the fourth named storm of the current season, part of a list of 21 names chosen by Irish, UK and Dutch weather services.

Among the potential impacts are fallen trees, wave overtopping along coasts, hazardous travelling conditions and loose objects being displaced.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care, with the Road Safety Authority warning that strong crosswinds may affect vehicle control. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are considered particularly at risk.

Drivers are also being advised to allow extra space between themselves and more vulnerable road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists, who may be blown off course.

“Expect the unexpected,” the authority said in a statement.

A separate Yellow wind warning has also been issued by the UK Met Office for Northern Ireland, covering counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry from 2pm today until 3am tomorrow. The UK forecaster said strong winds could lead to damage and travel disruption into Sunday morning.

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