Storm Floris: At least 10,000 homes and farms now without power

Sunday World

7 hours ago

People have been warned to expect potentially dangerous travelling conditions across the north-west
The west coast of Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of Storm Floris (Andrew Milligan/PA)
10,000 homes and farms without power as ESB set about restoring power lost due to Storm Floris
A spokesperson for ESB this morning confirmed that yellow level winds associated with Storm Floris have led to a number of power outages across the country this morning, predominantly in the North West region.
"The impact on the electricity network has been modest and in line with previous such wind warnings.
"As of 10.30am, approximately 10,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power.
"ESB Networks crews are mobilised in impacted areas and responding to power outages where safe to do so.
"Real-time information on power outages and restoration times is available on www.PowerCheck.ie.
"We apologise to all homes, farms and businesses impacted for the inconvenience caused," the spokesperson said.
The ESB also shared an important safety message for the public this morning:
"If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999".
Public warned of potentially dangerous driving conditions
The public have been warned to expect potentially dangerous travelling conditions across the north west with storm debris, fallen trees and potential structural damage to walls and buildings.
ESB Networks repair crews are on standby to deal with any power outages but warned crews can only commence work when it is safe to do so.
Winds are expected to gust to 100kmh-110kmh with the potential for structural damage.
Of greatest concern is that the storm - the sixth Atlantic storm of the season - will hit while trees are heavily laden with leaves and are at their most vulnerable to toppling.
Fallen trees traditionally cause the greatest damage to the power grid.
Gardaí have urged people to drive with care and, if possible, to postpone journeys until wind conditions have eased in the areas subject to the Status Yellow alert.
Road safety officials have said it is a bonus that the worst of the storm will pass across the north west early on a bank holiday Monday when traffic is at its lightest and the normal morning commute is vastly reduced.
Water Safety Ireland have urged people to be careful near the coast - and not to approach exposed coastal areas during the storm.
People have also been warned to exercise maximum caution in the sea after the storm passes as currents could be exceptionally strong in the wake of the storm surge for some time.
The RNLI and Coast Guard have already warned about strong rip tides in some areas.
Storm Floris will not impact the major outdoor events taking place in other parts of Ireland including the All Together Now festival at the Curraghmore Estate in Waterford which has attracted 30,000 revellers.
Festival goers may experience some rainfall - some of which could be quite heavy - on Monday but will not be impacted by Storm Floris.
Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann opened on Sunday and will run for the next week in Wexford.
Other major events taking place in Ireland over August bank holiday weekend include the Dublin Book Festival, the Breakwater Festival, the Spraoi Street Art Festival and the Mary from Dungloe Festival.
Ralph Riegel
Storm Floris set to land.
Areas worst affected by power cuts due to Storm Floris:
Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon: 1,645 customers (estimated restore time 11am)
Carndonagh, Co Donegal: 1,080 customers
Longford Town: 806 customers
Boyle, Co Roscommon: 607 customers (estimated restore time 10:30am)
Ballyshannon, Co Donegal: 557 customers (estimated restore time 10am)
Swinford, Co Mayo: 509 customers (estimated restore time 11am)
Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo: 413 customers (estimated restore time 1pm)
Tulla, Co Clare: 220 customers (estimated restore time 8:15am)
Glasnevin, Co Dublin: 172 customers (estimated restore time 10:30am)
Newscastlwest, Co Limerick: 148 customers (estimated restore time 1pm)
Kildare town: 120 customers (estimated restore time 10:15am)
Storm Floris tracking over Ireland early Monday morning
Northwest feeling the worst of Floris
HOUSEHOLDERS across the northwest have been battered by Storm Floris as some roads have been blocked by fallen trees and thousands have been left without power.
Almost 8,000 people are already without power - and the number of houses who lost electricity has yet to peak as the storm tracks across Connacht and Ulster before heading towards Scotland and Scandinavia.
Despite the power cuts and travel disruption across the northwest, Ireland will avoid the worst of Storm Floris where maximum winds experienced across Connacht and Ulster are set to be just over 100kmh.
In contrast, Storm Floris will bring winds potentially gusting to 160kmh over Scotland - with Scottish authorities warning that the storm poses a potential risk to life.
Flights, ferries and even road transport via high span bridges are expected to be severely impacted across Scotland.
The storm hit Ireland in the early hours of the morning and Status Yellow wind and rain warnings will remain in place until 4pm for some counties.
Thousands of households across Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Roscommon have already lost power with further outages expected as the storm peaks across the north Connacht and Ulster coast.
It is currently estimated that around 8,000 homes and businesses are without power.
The worst outage is in Galway where around 3,000 customers lost power in Tuam.
A total of 14 counties across the Republic and Northern Ireland are under Status Yellow wind and rain alerts.
Ralph Riegel
At least 7,000 without power as Floris hits the west coast of Ireland
The worst of Storm Floris has been raging since the early hours of the morning as gale force winds and 'unseasonably wet' conditions threaten dangerous road conditions, with several power outages already reported.
Outages began hitting homes mainly in western counties, though some further inland too, affecting almost 7,000 customers, according to the ESB.
Drifting over counties along the west coast is a large band of rain which is bringing the potential for flooding and a threat of thundery conditions.
On Saturday, Met Éireann issued three separate Status Yellow weather warnings for eight counties in the region.
A rain warning was put in place for counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo and took effect at 2am this morning. It will remain valid until 10am.
The national forecaster also placed a wind warning on counties Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo, valid from 2am on Monday to 1pm in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, another Status Yellow Wind Warning is active for counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim, valid since the slightly later time of 4am and due to expire at 4pm.
Met Éireann is warning members of the public of adverse conditions such as difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, power outages and lightning damage across the affected counties.
The forecaster expects the heavy rainfall from the storm to move eastwards, leaving behind some clearer spells as Storm Floris dies out in the afternoon with temperatures of between 16C and 21C.
It has characterised its outlook for the rest of the week as 'unsettled'.
Tomorrow will bring a welcome reprieve from the heavy rain and gale force winds of the past 12 hours as dry and warm weather is set to pervade the country, with temperatures of up to 21C.
Wednesday looks like it will be a largely dry day with isolated showers in parts and maximum temperatures of 19C.
Keith Kelly