Gales and flash floods blast country

THE north and west bore the brunt of gales yesterday, with flash floods, trees brought down and forecasters warning of hurricane- force gusts battering inland.

The high winds peaked in along Atlantic coasts in the evening and were expected to hit the east of the country through the night.

Motorists were warned to be extremely cautious, with cyclists urged to stay off roads, while gardaí in the north and west advised drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys especially along coastal routes.