Posted online: Jan 5th, 2012

High speed winds in Donegal earlier this week could have been caused by a rare meteorological event called a “sting jet”, according to Met Éireann forecasters, writes Anna Devine.
The strongest gust in Ireland (168km per hour) was recorded at Malin Head early on Tuesday morning.
Several thousand people in Donegal had their electricity supply cut off on Monday night and Tuesday morning due to one of the worst storms in recent years to hit the county.
Hundreds of telephone lines were also down but by Wednesday most homes had power and telephone services operational again.
Met Éireann forecasters say they are almost certain a “sting jet” caused winds to reach up to 172km per hour.
Forecaster Siobhán Ryan described the hurricane force wind speed recorded at Malin Head as being “exceptional” and ranked it among the highest winds in Ireland that she could remember.
A “sting jet” is a rarely occurring surge of high-momentum, high energy air which appears like a curling scorpion’s tail on weather maps. This is caused by rapidly descending cool dry air in contact with warm moist air. The depression that brought the winds later moved on to Scotland and Scandinavia.
Malin Head Coast Guard reported gusts reaching violent storm force 11 levels – hurricane like gales.
Wave heights of 10 metres were recorded where normally winter seas reach heights of 3 to 4 metres only.
Structural damage in various parts of the county was largely confined to roof tiles and slates coming off roofs. Signage in some areas was also badly affected while fallen trees caused some minor problems.
Meanwhile, 56 members of ESB staff have travelled to Scotland to help with the storm clean-up operation there.