Storm Desmond strikes leaving thousands without power
The country is being battered this morning by heavy rain and strong winds from Storm Desmond.
36 hundred customers are without electricity around the country due to the bad weather.
ESB Networks say the worst affected areas are Tuam, Letterkenny, Killybegs, Belmullet, Galway, Athlone and Mitchelstown.
ESB Networks are also warning that more properties could be affected by power cuts as the day goes on, with strong winds forecast to continue.
Five weather alerts remain in place around the country, with a Status Red rainfall alert in force for Connacht and counties Donegal, Clare, and Kerry for the next 24 hours.
Motorists are being advised to take extreme care on the roads due to the high winds and surface water.
A number of national routes are impassable due to floods, including the N22 Killarney to Cork Rd between Glenflesk and Macroom and the N56 Letterkenny to Dunfanaghy Road between Kilmacrenan and Creeslough.
Flights to and from many airports were delayed or cancelled last night.
Siobhan O'Donnell from the DAA has this advice for any intending passengers:“There were a number of flight cancellations, diversions and delays to the flight schedule at Dublin airport last night
“These were the result of very strong gusty winds across the airfield as a result of storm Desmond, now the advice for passengers travelling this morning is to check with their airline’s website before coming to the airport because their airline will have the up-to-date information regarding their particular flight so passengers should really check before coming to the airport.”
The Clonakilty marathon has also been cancelled this morning, due to heavy rain and high winds in West Cork.
Organisers were forced to called off the race due to health and safety concerns.
Runners are advised to retain their race number for a future rescheduled date, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
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