Previously classified as a hurricane, Storm Ophelia reached Ireland on Monday, on the 30th anniversary of the Great Storm of 1987, which affected the UK, France, Spain, Belgium and Norway and caused dozens of casualties.
Winds reaching almost 100mph damaged electricity networks and caused widespread disruption, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Three people were reported as dead in separate accidents related to Storm Ophelia in Ireland. Authorities have urged the public to stay indoors until the "very dangerous" storm has passed; schools and colleges remain closed on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Londoners witnessed an unusual phenomenon caused by Storm Ophelia: the city submerged into "apocalyptic" darkness due to dust brought by wind gusts from Africa and southern Europe. Particles whipped up by Ophelia tinted the clouds above the capital in dark sepia and the sun in a bloody-red color.
