Pictured: Storm Isha's first victim is father-of-five whose car skidded off a flooded road after dropping off his daughter - as death toll rises to five

An Irish father-of-five who was killed when his car skidded off a flooded road has been named as Storm Isha’s first victim.

Jimmy Rowe had just dropped off his daughter when his vehicle crashed on the N17 at Lisduff in Claremorris, County Mayo, on Sunday.

Heartbroken family confirmed that the beloved father, who was in his 40s, died despite the best efforts of the emergency services who rushed to help.

It came as Storm Isha brought life-threatening gusts of 90mph to large parts of Ireland and the UK, felling trees and causing power outages.

Heavy rain brought by the Atlantic storm has also caused treacherous conditions on the roads and flooding in some areas, while trains and flights in both countries have been cancelled and delayed due to the howling gales.

Jimmy Rowe is believed to have died after his car skidded of the road in County Mayo on Sunday

Heartbroken loved ones said they are ‘broke in bits’ after learning of the father-of-fives death

Mr Rowe, who is understood to be from Longford but was living in Galway at the time of his death, was believed to be driving to the town of Tuam when he lost control of his vehicle in the high winds.

His brother Albie Rowe posted on social media: ‘Folks, with a heavy heart I bring you the heartbreaking news that our baby brother Jimmy Rowe has loss his life on the roads today.

‘Give your loved ones a hug you never know when it’s the last.. love u forever Jimmy.’

One person who new him told Galway Beo the hearts of his loved ones ‘are broke in bits’.

‘You never think the last time is the last time but sadly it was this time,’ they said.

‘No family should ever have to go through it. He was the best. All our kids loved him. He was very good with them.’

In a statement released on Sunday by An Garda Siochana – Ireland’s police force – said it was called to a fatal crash shortly before 6.15pm on the N17 at Lisduff, Claremorris, County Mayo.

‘The driver and sole occupant of the only car involved in this collision, a man in his 40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene,’ it said.

‘The N17 at Lisduff is currently closed and is expected to remain closed overnight. The services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested.’

A diversion put in place in Ballindine, County Mayo, after the crash which tragically claimed the life of Jimmy Rowe

Storm Isha has brought high winds to Ireland and the UK over the last few days. Pictured: A fallen tree and collapsed wall in east Belfast

It added: ‘Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

‘Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N17 in the Lisduff area at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

‘Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.’

Mr Rowe’s death comes as at least five people are confirmed to have died in the UK and Ireland as a result of the storm.

An 84-year-old man was killed in Falkirk on Sunday night when the car he was a passenger in crashed into a fallen tree.

In Londonderry a man in his 60s was killed when the van he was involved in a crash with a fallen tree and another vehicle. The other motorist was taken to hospital.

In Bradford a man died after reportedly falling into a hole in the road after barriers protecting it were blown away by the high winds.

And a woman in her 20s was killed in County Louth early on Monday morning when the van she was a passenger involved in an incident with a fallen tree.