17th October - Today's News: Ex-Ophelia Hits Ireland After Fanning Deadly Iberian Wildfires

In Eire, Ophelia's trail of destruction: Up to 360,000 people could lose water supply today as 245,000 remain without power with three people killed. Wales saw roads and homes hit by storm, in Northern Ireland schools closed as clean-up begins whilst in Scotland there's also a clear-up under way after Ophelia wind

Meanwhile, survivors of Portugal and Spain's wildfires that have claimed dozens of lives describe how cities were turned into 'balls of fire' as death toll rises - at least 36 people have died (some reports suggest 39) in the fires fanned by Ophelia's winds.  Sadly, many of the fires appear to have been started deliberately .....  The fires have had impacts in the UK too with a red sun phenomenon 'caused by Hurricane Ophelia' whilst 'smoke smell' forces flights to land at UK airports. Manston in Kent also recorded 23.5c - a UK date record.

It was just a bit breezy in Evesham, and the dust/smoke plume gave a very eerie yellow glow through the late morning.  

California wildfire death toll hits 41 as survivors face long road to recovery

BOM says deluge across Queensland at levels not seen since Cyclone Debbie whilst in the west, storm damages WA homes, brings down power lines as winds reach up to 100 kph

Typhoon Khanun makes landfall in south China

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