Pilots brave Storm Dave winds while flights are cancelled at Dublin Airport

Storm Dave has landed on the British Isles, bringing with it dangerous winds that have grounded flights and closed roads.

The spring storm arrived in the UK and Ireland with force this evening, with the Met Office warning of up to 70mph winds overnight.

Pilots on approach to Dublin Airport navigated 65mph gusts today as the high winds made the giant planes teeter like reeds.

At least 25 flights have been cancelled, including 12 departures and 13 arrivals due to ‘challenging wind conditions,’ Dublin Airport said, adding that passengers should contact their airline directly as winds are expected to remain strong.

An Aer Lingus flight struggled in heavy crosswinds before making a safe landing.

A Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Dublin this evening was forced to go around several times due to crosswinds, aviation tracker Flightradar24 shows.

Challenging driving conditions

National Highways in England warned of a road closure due to strong winds on the A66 in the North East.

The carriageway will be closed in both directions between the A1M at junction J53 Scotch Corner and the M6 junction J40 at Penrith from 9pm to all vehicles, and from 7pm to high-sided vehicles.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: ‘The arrival of Storm Dave is set to make driving conditions across the north and west of the UK this Easter particularly challenging.

‘While we expect leisure traffic volumes to be slightly lower on Saturday and Sunday compared with the rest of the bank holiday, there will still be millions of people on the roads visiting friends and family.

‘Drivers shouldn’t underestimate the impact of the very strong winds that are forecast. We recommend taking extra care on exposed, higher routes and being especially cautious when overtaking high‑sided vehicles, as the buffeting effect can catch some people out. Slowing down and keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel are both vital in these conditions.’

Meanwhile, rail passengers should prepare for possible delays due to the weather in affected areas. National Rail said trees could fall on overhead lines and the railway during high wind.

The Met Office warned of a power cuts, travel disruption and treacherous conditions along coasts while yellow and amber weather warnings are active.

Heavy snow could make conditions worse on the border between England and Scotland, and in parts of Northern Ireland as almost 8 inches could land on higher ground.

Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Chris Bulmer, said: ‘Storm Dave will bring a period of very strong winds, with the strongest gusts most likely in the Amber warning area. 

‘People should be prepared for impacts with disruption to travel likely and possible power cuts.’

The storm is expected to clear on Sunday, although some showers might persist in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Easter Monday is set to be the driest of the bank holiday weekend, Met Office said.

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