Updated 7pm
MET ÉIREANN HAS downgraded today’s ‘Status Red’ storm warning but said windy weather will continue and warnings remain in place across the country.
This afternoon the National Coordination Group said although the storm caused widespread disruption, the impacts have “not been as severe as could have been”.
In its latest update, however, Eircom said an estimated 10,000 fixed line and broadband customers are without service following the heavy rain, wind and lightning overnight and throughout the day.
The worst affected areas are rural, and exposed parts of Cork, Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Limerick, Kerry and Clare. Customers are encouraged to report faults on their line as soon as possible.
Over 1,000 repair technicians are working throughout the country, but Eircom said some field staff activities were restricted in exposed areas for health and safety reasons due to high winds. Today they restored service to 1,800 customers .
Currently, there are also 16 mobile sites off air in Limerick and Tipperary.
Two ‘Status Orange’ wind warnings remain in place for 18 counties with gusts of up to 130km per hour in some places. Wind and rain warnings are also in place for a number of other counties.
Met Éireann advised that the current storm weather will continue during the daylight hours in affected areas. So, there’ll be more of this kind of thing:
At the weekend, it is expected the weather will generally return to “normal wintry weather” with cold and icy spells. Something to look forward to.
There are currently 3,100 customers without electricity supply, down from 17,000 this morning.
All customers affected by a fault in Enniscorthy, some 3,000 people, have now had their supply restored.
Unfortunately, ESB Networks said due to the numbers of faults in the north west of the country, it is likely that approximately 400 to 500 customers will not have their power restored tonight.
These customers are mainly located in the following areas:
There is also a possibility that if additional faults occur this evening, it may not be possible to restore supply until tomorrow.
Dublin Airport Authority has advised that a number of flights have been diverted to other airports due to high winds. Anyone intending to travel is advised to check with their carriers beforehand.
Gardaí have thanked the public for their cooperation in heeding safety messages. However people are advised to be aware of changing weather conditions which will bring icy road conditions over the weekend.
First published 3.30pm
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