LAST UPDATE | 16 Feb 2020
AROUND 8,000 HOMES and businesses are without power this evening as Storm Dennis sweeps across the country.
A Status Orange wind warning is in place for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick until 10pm tonight.
In these counties, southwest winds with mean speeds of 60 to 80km/h are expected with severe gusts of up to 120km/h. These winds will be strongest on hills and coasts, and the forecaster has warned there will be a risk of coastal flooding.
Elsewhere in the country, Status Yellow wind warning is currently in place. It will remain in place until 11pm today.
ESB Networks has confirmed that around 8,000 homes and businesses are without power at the moment.
These outages have mainly been caused by lightning damage.
A spokesperson for ESB Networks said they expect to make good progress on restoration and crews will continue to work into the evening.
The forecaster is urging people across Ireland to be aware that heavy rainfall and powerful winds have the capacity to impact them.
Northwestern counties are set to be worst affected with widespread heavy rain and squally winds bringing hail showers and thundery downpours at times.
The weather has also led to the cancellation of Galway vs Tippperary in Allianz Hurling League.
Both teams were set to play at Pearse Stadium in Galway this afternoon but the match was cancelled because of high winds.
Meanwhile, Cork County Council’s severe weather assessment team has convened in response to the weather warnings.
Council response teams have been put on notice and are currently on standby.
Members of the public are being advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes.
Cork County Council expects the main impact from the storm to include fallen trees and possibly structural damage from high winds and coastal flooding caused by the storm surge.
Gardaí are urging motorists to be “extra cautious” this weekend.
“Cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians should be aware of the danger posed by high winds as they are particularly vulnerable,” gardaí said.
“Drivers of high-sided vehicles should take all necessary precautions and pay attention to the warnings,” they said.
Aer Lingus said yesterday evening that its schedule today “will remain challenged due to high winds.
“We’re working hard to manage the effects of Storm Dennis. Advice to guests is to check flight status before travelling to the airport,” the airline said in a Tweet.
The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) said yesterday that a number of its sites will remain closed while the weather warnings are in place.
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) is also reminding people who see anyone sleeping rough on the streets to report them to the council on 01 8720185 or online here.
The arrival of Storm Dennis comes just a week after Storm Ciara battered parts of the country, bringing winds of up to 120km/h.
With reporting by Hayley Halpin
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