Thousands to be without power overnight due to Storm Betty damage

Spot flooding in Timoleague, Cork, after Storm Betty. Picture: Andy Gibson.

ESB crews are working hard to restore power in the wake of Storm Betty, with 30,000 homes across Ireland still without electricity as of 5pm on Saturday.

Storm force winds and lightning caused damage to the network as the storm whipped across Ireland on Friday evening. 

In a statement, ESB said that "all available resources" had been deployed and crews would be working late into the night to restore power.

"However, due to the severity of the damage to the network in certain parts, some customers will remain without supply overnight. We apologise to those impacted for the disruption to family and commercial life this causes."

Storm Betty caused flooding and left roads dangerous with fallen trees, braches and debris. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Storm Betty also caused flooding and left roads dangerous with fallen trees, branches and debris. 

Flooding hit parts of Cork and according to Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly, over 55 millimetres of rain fell at Roches Point. Over 40mm waws recorded in parts of the south. 

Flooding was also reported in Carrigaline and Dunmanway with thunderstorms and heavy downpours. 

Motorists in Kerry are being advised to drive with caution this morning following overnight flooding on a number of roads including major tourist routes during storm Betty.

The N70 Ring of Kerry from Waterville to Cahersiveen flooded and became impassable for some hours. There were other reports of flooding in the area and on Valentia Island. Fallen trees had to be cleared from the roads in a number of places.

In Tralee, the official welcome for the roses to mark the start of the annual Rose of Tralee festival on Friday night which was scheduled for outdoors was moved indoors to the Siamsa Tire theatre.

The N70 Ring of Kerry from Waterville to Cahersiveen flooded and became impassable for some hours. There were other reports of flooding in the area and on Valentia Island. Fallen trees had to be cleared from the roads in a number of places.

Gardai say there were four single-vehicle collisions on the M7 in Limerick overnight, as a result of drivers losing control of their vehicles due to adverse weather conditions.

Emergency services at the scene where a driver had a miraculous escape after his taxi was crushed by a large tree while driving in Templeogue, south Dublin. Picture: Damien Storan.

A taxi driver was left uninjured after a tree crash onto his car while he was driving in Templeogue in South Dublin.

All weather alerts have been lifted, however a status yellow rain and wind warning is currently in place for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and all of Connacht as further falls of heavy or thundery rain with strong winds at times are expected on Saturday morning. 

It will stay in place until noon and can lead to spot flooding, difficult travelling conditions and wave overtopping on coasts. 

Train services between the Cork/Cobh and Midleton lines were suspended due to reports of flooding on the line on Friday night. 

Cork City's FAI Cup clash with Waterford was also postponed after the pitch at Turner's Cross failed two pitch inspections

The FAI released the following statement on Friday evening: "The Football Association of Ireland can confirm this evening’s Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup fixture between Cork City and Waterford has been postponed amid the range weather warning issued by Met Éireann.

"Details of refixed game will be announced shortly. The pitch has not been deemed playable following a second pitch inspection at Turner’s Cross.

"All tickets remain valid for the new fixture and further information can be attained from the point of sale."

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