5,000 lose power as storms batter coast

Batten down the hatches — that was the advice last night as Met Éireann and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) issued weather alerts, warning motorists and those living in coastal areas to take extra precautions.

Up to 5,000 homes were left without power as Met Éireann warned of gusts of up to 130km/h in Cork, Kerry, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo. A second warning of gusts of up to 115km/h covered Leinster and Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Cavan, Roscommon, and Monaghan.

Winds reaching storm force 10 at times were reported in Co Donegal.