Flooding and power outages reported as Storm Rachel hits

Residents of western counties are being warned to be vigilant tonight and tomorrow morning as severe weather hits the coasts.

Wed, 14 Jan, 2015 - 23:08

Residents of western counties are being warned to be vigilant tonight and tomorrow morning as severe weather hits the coasts.

Met Éireann has issued a status red wind warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

Average speeds of 80km per hour are expected - with gusts of up to 150kms per hour - possible in some parts.

Lamp post blown down at waterside sorry typo Water Street
ESB have removed all live wires and street now reopened pic.twitter.com/rYZxM2OmL7
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 14, 2015

The strongest winds will be along exposed coasts and mountainous areas.

Power outages are also being reported in Clifden, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Roscommon and Mayo.

We will work overnight to keep network & public safe. For safety reasons we will not be able to carry out further repairs until tomorrow
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 14, 2015

ESB Networks have said safety is paramount and warned customers not to approach or touch fallen or low-hanging wires and power lines.

The ESB Networks website, Twitter feed and Powercheck App will post regular updates of expected restoration times.

Meanwhile, the AA is reporting flooding in parts of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon.

MAYO: Bad flooding on N60 Claremorris/ Castlebar Rd after Beaten Paths before Balla. http://t.co/qvBPcgPvrc
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 14, 2015

DONEGAL: Flooding at Dry Arch R/A in Letterkenny. The road is impassible at present. The council have been notified. http://t.co/qvBPcgPvrc
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 14, 2015

CORK CITY: Barrack St is closed at the Green St Jct as slates are coming off a nearby building because of high winds. http://t.co/qvBPcgPvrc
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 14, 2015

CLARE: Reports of flooding and debris on the Parteen/ Clonlara Rd (R436). Take extreme care. http://t.co/qvBPcgPvrc
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 14, 2015

ROSCOMMON: Bad flooding on the Boyle/ Frenchpark Rd (R361). Avoid the route if possible. http://t.co/qvBPcgPvrc
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) January 14, 2015

#StormRachel has landed but is still intensifying, for those in the RED ALERT areas if you have power a good idea to charge phones ipads etc
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 14, 2015

We have faults in the #Riverstown and #Omeath areas of #Louth updates on powercheck.ie apologies #staysafe
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 14, 2015

We have faults in the #Clifden and #Ballyconneely areas of #Galway updates on powercheck.ie apologies #staysafe
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 14, 2015

We have a fault in the #Gorey #Carnew areas of #Wexford updates powercheck.ie apologies #staysafe
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 14, 2015

Meanwhile, the Department of Education is advising schools - where a 'Status Red' wind warning coincides with times when students and staff are travelling to and from school - to consider not opening tomorrow.