Storm Bram leaves 25,000 without power as 'dangerous' winds cause chaos

Some 25,000 homes and businesses are without power across Ireland as Storm Bram sweeps across the country.

Due to the outages caused by the storm, 25,000 are still without power as repair crews are due to continue working this evening and recommence work first thing tomorrow.

However, some customers will remain without power overnight.

Earlier this Tuesday, 54,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power.

The entire island of Ireland was placed under weather advisories after forecasting agencies upgraded their warnings on Tuesday as strong winds knocked trees and some areas experienced flooding on roads.

Some of the earlier orange and yellow warnings issued by Met Éireann have now ended. 

However, a status yellow wind warning is still in place until midnight on Wednesday for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

Met Éireann said that up until the warnings lift, Storm Bram will continue to bring very strong to gale force west to southwest winds, with severe gusts.

The forecaster said there is an ongoing risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas during high tide, as well as wave overtopping, debris, and loose objects being displaced, and power outages.

Met Éireann forecaster Gerry Kelly said it was a day to be “very, very careful". He told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland: “It is going to be a very windy day everywhere, and there is certainly a possibility for all areas to reach those levels for a time.” 

He particularly highlighted a risk of coastal flooding in the south of the country during high tide on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, the ESB said crews are working across affected areas to assess damage and restore supply, "where it is safe to do so". 

The majority of the power outages are concentrated in Cork, Wexford, Tipperary, Kildare, Dublin, Meath, and Westmeath. It also said that further outages are likely as the storm moves across the country.

Met Éireann has also issued a number of marine warnings, including a status orange storm warning for all for all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea until 6pm on Tuesday. 

A status red marine warning from Loop Head to Erris Head to Malin Head will also be in place until 6pm with Met Éireann warning that south to southwest winds will occasionally reach violent storm force 11.

High tide surges over the River Lee at South Terrace and Georges Quay in Cork on Tuesday morning. Picture: Dan Linehan

Around 70 schools shut or close early

Approximately 70 schools, predominantly in coastal areas in the west of the country, closed today or closed early due to the storm, the department of education confirmed earlier on Tuesday. 

A spokesperson for the department said it continues to monitor the situation and will follow any advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group. 

The department advised all schools to keep up to date with current weather warnings, which feature on national and local news bulletins, and to watch for any changes to warning status in their area.

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The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) has warned that Storm Bram's forecast rain is expected to arrive in areas where ground levels are already saturated.

After a week of persistent rain, Met Éireann said soils across the country were already highly saturated and many rivers were approaching bank-full conditions, so any additional rainfall was likely to result in surface and river flooding.

The NDFEM said there is a "significant risk of flooding, particularly in Munster and coastal counties, where the timing of high tides may coincide with strong winds, creating a further risk of flooding".

The public is reminded that flooding remains a risk nationwide due to current conditions, even in counties with a yellow warning or no warning.

A large tree lies uprooted at the Lough in Cork as a result of Storm Bram. Picture: Chani Anderson

NDFEM national director Keith Leonard said: “The conditions associated with orange-level wind warnings can be very dangerous.

“Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris – presenting a risk to both life and property.

“Driving can be particularly hazardous in these conditions, so I’m asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

“High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

“I’d also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions – unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.”

Meanwhile, Gas Networks Ireland said it does not anticipate any disruption to gas supplies during Storm Bram - and its emergency services continue to operate as normal via 1800 20 50 50.

The storm has already caused travel disruption, with 73 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport. The airport warned that further cancellations are possible later today as wind speeds increase.

Aer Lingus flights from Cork Airport to Bristol and from Bristol to Cork have also been cancelled. 

While Shannon Airport is "fully operational", some flights have experienced delays due to the weather conditions.

In Dublin, DART services are currently suspended between Pearse and Dún Laoghaire after a tree fell and caused damage to the overhead lines.

All rail services are currently operating on all routes in Dublin, apart from the Greystones to Wicklow route, which was disrupted due to flooding.

Earlier today, DART services were suspended between Pearse and Dún Laoghaire after a tree fell on the line.

Cork action plan

Due to forecast heavy rainfall and strong winds, Cork County Council has warned of both river and coastal flooding, saying many rivers are already “approaching bank-full conditions” after prolonged rainfall. “Soils are waterlogged, thereby increasing the likelihood of run-off,” a spokesperson said.

The council also advised that high tides may prevent river water from discharging to the sea, which could cause water to back up in river channels and significantly increase the risk of upstream flooding in low-lying areas.

Commuters to Cork City have been warned that several road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary at high tide. Traffic diversions will be in place, but delays are likely. The public is advised to monitor Met Éireann updates.

Meanwhile in Limerick, council crews responded to a number of incidents, including a fallen tree in Kilmallock which has since been cleared.

There was also minor structural damage to the façade of a building on O’Connell Street in Limerick City, which has since been secured.

The council is urging people to take extra care near exposed coasts, bridges, and high-sided or vulnerable structures, to avoid unnecessary travel, and be alert for debris, falling branches, and sudden gusts.

'Stay back, stay high, stay dry'

As Bram moves across the country, Met Éireann meteorologist Matthew Martin encouraged the public to check forecasts and warnings regularly, as the situation may evolve.

“Flooding impacts are expected as the rain will fall on already saturated ground and many rivers are currently approaching bank full conditions. We are in a period of high astronomical tides, which will coincide with the strong, potentially onshore winds, so there is a high risk of coastal flooding," he added. 

"We echo the well-known advice of the Irish Coast Guard: 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry'.

"The high tides will prevent the rivers from discharging to the sea, significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas. People should refer to the guidance of their local authorities and emergency responders in their area.”

 - additional reporting from PA

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