Storm Frank: Emergency crew braves storm to rescue injured climber Carrauntoohil

In the full teeth of Storm Frank, the Kerry Mountain Rescue team had to make their way up Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, to bring down an injured climber.

Despite the storm forecast, several people set out on both Mangerton and the Reeks yesterday morning.

The team had to make their way up Carrauntoohil, in the Macgillicuddy’s Reeks near Killarney, after being called out at 2.15pm to rescue a man with a broken leg.

Trees were pulled down in storm-force winds and roads were under water with the full force of Frank felt from early afternoon.

Kenmare was bracing itself with council workers distributing sandbags.

Crews were also tackling severe flooding on the N22 Killarney to Tralee road, while the area near Beaufort Bridge was also flooded. The main Ring of Kerry road near Killorglin was partially blocked during the afternoon due to a fallen tree, while a telephone pole came down on the main Killarney to Killorglin road.

Storm Frank to hit Ireland by lunchtime https://t.co/Gpxp40Lh9c pic.twitter.com/PybPccyR9b

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) December 29, 2015

The Fenit to Tralee road was particularly dangerous, with debris and a fallen telephone pole, while a number of flights at Kerry Airport were delayed or cancelled.

The bad weather was due to peak in Kerry between 9pm and 3am, with heavy rain continuing to midday today. Up to 70mm of rain was forecast to fall in parts.

Didn't think much of #StormFrank until I saw what it was doing to the Glencar Waterfall. #defyinggravity pic.twitter.com/V5GULYtTpB

— Tracy (@tracyotoole1) December 29, 2015