Hurricane Ophelia weakened to a post-tropical cyclone but could still bring fierce winds, disruption and damage to Ireland and Britain as the work week gets underway, weather services said Sunday.
Britain’s Met Office said 80-mph gusts could hit Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Strong winds could also hit Scotland, Wales and England, but rapid weakening was forecast, with the cyclone dissipating near western Norway by Tuesday night.
The storm was expected to hit land in southern Ireland later Monday morning, but U.K. Met Office forecaster Luke Miall said it could still pack “hurricane force” winds.
Met Eireann said Ophelia was forecast to track directly over Ireland on Monday. It warned of “violent and destructive gusts” and and, “There is potential risk to lives.”
“Regardless of the status upon arrival in Northern Ireland, we are anticipating a blast of high winds, which could certainly result in power outages [and] downed trees, and we’re anticipating quite a bit of travel disruption,” said Danielle Banks, a meteorologist for The Weather Channel.
Dublin and Shannon airports advised passengers to check flight information before traveling, while Cork airport in southwest Ireland said cancellations were likely.