More than 20,000 homes lose power in storms

MORE than 20,000 homes were left without electricity yesterday as storms battered the country disrupting road, air and sea travel.

Met Éireann said winds reached up to 130 kilometres per hour in the west, which was worst effected by the bad weather.

Lightening hit a high-voltage power line that extends from Galway to Drogheda, leaving 22,000 ESB customers without electricity.

Repair works to the line were hampered by more lightening, but the ESB said power should be returned to most homes by today.

Electrical faults also forced the closure of the Dublin Port Tunnel just after lunch time.

It is expected that road conditions will return to normal today after flying debris, strong winds and falling branches made driving extremely dangerous yesterday.

The AA warned motorists to avoid driving if possible and gardaí in Galway said to drive with care due to the amount of storm-blown debris on the roads.

The main road between Navan and Dublin was partially closed after a tree collapsed just over 1km from the town of Navan, damaging a car.

More falling trees forced the closure of the Slane Road in Co Louth.

In Waterford, a large section of the sea wall at Youghal Bridge collapsed, and racing scheduled for Tramore Racecourse was cancelled.

An outdoor New Year’s Eve concert which was due to take place in central Belfast was also called off because of strong winds.

Four incoming flights to Dublin Airport were cancelled and flights to and from Galway Airport were diverted to Ireland West Airport in Knock, Co Mayo.

Because of adverse condition on the Irish Sea, all Stena Line sailings from Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Port and Rosslare were cancelled.

Sailings are expected to resume today and customers are advised to contact Stena Line on 01-2047799, Irish Ferries on 0818-300400 or Dublin Port on 01-8552296 for more details.

According to Met Éireann the storm will die down today as coldness sets in.

Forecaster Deirdre Lowe said: “The worst is over, and the storms are moving away already. But a cold air mass will be coming down and there will be a lot of wintry showers, some hail and some snow in mountains or hilly areas.”

On Tuesday, the rain will stop, the wind will die down and the sun will begin to show its face as temperatures increase. Just in time for the return to work.