Day 2 of Ploughing Championships cancelled as Storm Ali sweeps the country

As a safety measure, the second day of the Ploughing Championships in County Offaly has been cancelled due to safety concerns as the storm passes through midland counties. This is the first time in its history that the event has been called off due to weather.

In a tweet posted on the official National Ploughing Twitter page organisers said, “Exhibition area to remain closed today (Wed, Day 2) of #Ploughing further updates later”.

Update 11.40: Exhibition arena to remain closed today(Wed, Day2) of ##Ploughing18 further updates later. We thank the public for their understanding.

— National Ploughing (@NPAIE) September 19, 2018

Met Éireann has issued an orange weather warning for Connaught, as well as counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Clare and Kerry. This is the second highest weather warning that can be issued.

Related: It’s time to buy a raincoat. Here are five of our favourites

Storm Ali, the first of the seasonal storms, will bring gusts of between 110km/hr and 130km/hr from early this morning. According to ESB Networks, approximately 140,000 homes, farms and businesses are currently without power.

Gusts in excess of 130km/hr may affect the west and northwest coast. The strongest winds can be first expected on the Atlantic coast, but will quickly track eastwards as the morning progresses, bringing with it a scattering of heavy showers.

Orange Wind Warning Update. 7am Wed Sept 19th
Gusts in excess of 130 km/h are possible in coastal regions of the west and northwest.
Latest warning info here https://www.met.ie/warnings/today#StormAli pic.twitter.com/mwCuOk6kiX

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 19, 2018

Met Éireann has said to exercise extreme caution for the duration of the warning. The orange weather warning was put in place this morning at 5 am and will remain until lunchtime. A yellow weather warning has been issued for all remaining counties.

Winds will begin to ease later in the day, with dry weather expected for the remainder of the evening.

Photo: Erik Witsoe via Unsplash