LAST UPDATE | 21 Feb 2022

NEARLY 20,000 HOMES and businesses across Ireland are without electricity this afternoon following Storm Franklin.

The third storm in less than a week whipped the western seaboard and rolled across the country, leaving fallen debris and damaging powerlines in many areas.

A yellow wind warning for the counties of Wicklow and Wexford expired earlier this morning.

The Irish meteorological service noted that these winds combined with very high seas will lead to wave overtopping along Atlantic coasts, which may result in coastal flooding.

Status Orange wind warnings that were in place for several counties have now lapsed.

In an update this afternoon, the ESB said progress had been made in restoring power to 11,000 homes out of the 29,100 customers affected by power outages this morning.

As of 12.30pm, some 18,000 electricity customers were without power, mainly in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. The ESB said the most impacted areas include Milford, Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Buncrana, Manorhamilton and Arigna.

“ESB Networks is currently moving additional resources into the Northwest, including crews who were assisting in repairing damage in South Kerry, West Cork and South Wexford in the aftermath of Storm Eunice on Friday. Local crews continue to work on Storm Eunice-related repairs to the electricity network in these southern areas,” an ESB spokesperson said.

It also reminded members of the public to stay clear of fallen electricity lines and report any damage to the ESB.

People looking to report an outage or check estimated restoration times were urged to check the ESB’s PowerCheck map.

Weather for the week ahead:

Remaining unsettled with windy & wet conditions at times.🍃🌧️

Colder interludes🥶 will also bring some wintry showers🌨️ through Wednesday night & Thursday.

Dry & bright🌤️ for much of Friday with lighter winds.

More here⬇️https://t.co/1En2bMiCiq pic.twitter.com/LQVjngYzwK

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 21, 2022

Following three storms in quick succession, Met Éireann is forecasting much colder temperatures midweek.

The national forecaster said it will remain unsettled with windy and wet conditions at times. Colder interludes will also bring some wintry showers through the middle of the week, with temperatures set to drop to lows of -2 degrees celsius.

- Additionally reporting from Adam Daly