Power outages reported after Storm Claudia hits Ireland’s south-east
Met Eireann warned people to be alert for 'significant' flooding and hazardous travelling conditions. Picture: PA
Power outages have been reported and floods have hit some areas after Storm Claudia moved over the island of Ireland.
Thousands of homes and businesses were without power on Saturday morning as rain weather warnings lifted in the south-east.
Dramatic flooding was reported in Portarlington, on the border of counties Laois and Offaly, despite no rain warning being issued for those counties.
Fallen trees have blocked roads in parts of the country and social media videos appear to show sea foam being dramatically whipped onto shore at Loughshinny, Dublin and Bray, Co Wicklow.
The ESB said less than 5,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power as of 9am and that crews had been responding to outages since Friday.
A spokesman said the storm brought a “modest impact” to electricity infrastructure in line with previous such wind warnings.
A status orange rain warning was in place for counties Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow until 8am on Saturday, while a status yellow rain warning was in place in 10 other counties, mostly along the east and south coasts, until 9am.
Weather forecaster Met Eireann warned people to be alert for “significant” flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.
Keith Leonard, national director for Fire and Emergency Management, said local authorities had been preparing since Thursday for heavy rainfall.
He said a risk of flooding would remain after the weather alerts lifted, as water levels could still rise, and that fallen leaves clogging drains were a “complicating factor”.
Stena Line said that some ferry services on Friday had been cancelled due to adverse weather.
In Northern Ireland, a yellow-level rain warning is in place in counties Armagh and Down until noon on Saturday, bringing a risk of flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.
The festive Corkmas season got under way last night as large crowds braved the wet and wintery weather to cheer on angels, reindeers, and flying bicycles through the streets of Cork City.
Santa Claus was there too, reminding everyone to get those letters sent in time.
After six months of preparation, everyone — especially the young dancers — was determined to put on a great show despite the inclement weather.
Santa’s sleigh, complete with giant snow-flakes, and a Christmas tree travelled on a giant float while a group of drummers marched from North Main St at 7pm to the delight of young and old.
They set the scene for a colourful parade, heavy on Christmas colours.
Floats were greeted by large crowds along the route who cheered and clapped while pantomime performers from the Everyman were also on duty to bring smiles to those in attendance.
Music of all sorts filed the air from start to finish last night and there were plenty of snacks available too, with The Grumpy Baker open late and offering festive gingerbread men.
It was, of course, just the start of the festivities, with Corkmas set to run until December 31.
Ice skating, Christmas markets, craft fairs, light shows, candlelight concerts, and party cruises are just some of what is on offer.
The Christmas Market and Santa Experience at Emmett Place opens next week, running Thursdays to Sundays.
Then from November 28, the big Ferris wheel and vintage carousel will take pride of place on Grand Parade.
Among the indoor activities is Candlelight, a series of live concerts presented by Fever in University College Cork’s Aula Maxima, lit with thousands of candles.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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