The Woman Who Altered History Through a Weather Prediction

March marks Women’s History Month, and it’s an opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. Among these inspiring stories is that of Maureen Flavin Sweeney, whose extraordinary journey inspired the book “I am the Storm, Inspiring Stories of People who fight against overwhelming Odds”. This book features individuals whose experiences led them to pivotal moments where their actions had profound impacts on their lives and others.

Maureen Flavin Sweeney hailed from the southern part of County Kerry, Ireland, and at the age of eighteen, she began working as a post office assistant in Blacksod, situated on the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula. Blacksod was home to the first land-based observation station in Europe, where professional weather readings were conducted on the prevailing Atlantic westerly weather systems during World War II.

On her twenty-first birthday, June 3, 1944, Maureen was diligently recording the atmospheric conditions, unaware of the pivotal role her work would play. She noticed a rapid drop in atmospheric pressure, indicating an approaching storm. Her weather reports were sent to Dublin, and from there, forwarded to Dunstable, England, where meteorological headquarters were stationed. Captain James Martin Stagg, chief meteorologist for US General Dwight D. Eisenhower, recognized the significance of Maureen’s reports, prompting a direct call to the Blacksod post office.

Maureen’s accurate prediction of an impending storm led General Eisenhower to postpone D-Day by one day, from June 5 to June 6, ultimately preventing a potential disaster. Her observations were instrumental in ensuring the safety and success of Allied forces during the invasion of Normandy.

She was honored in 2021 for her contribution to the success of D-Day, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Maureen Flavin Sweeney passed away at the age of 100 on December 17, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and the profound impact of one individual’s actions on the course of history. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of determination and the profound impact that one person can have on the world.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Fox News}