Storm Isha: Buildings damaged, flights cancelled and thousands without power

THOUSANDS OF HOMES and businesses are without power this evening, with trees felled, buildings damaged and public transport disrupted as a result of severe winds caused by the arrival of storm Isha.

Status Red warnings are in effect for Counties Galway and Mayo, with a further Status Red warning due to come into effect for Donegal later this evening. The rest of the country is now covered by a Status Orange weather warning.

Close to 20,000 homes and businesses have been hit with power outages since the arrival of Isha, with western coastal counties the worst affected. If you experience a power outage during the storm, updates and estimated restoration times can be found on ESB Powercheck.

Dublin Airport said that as of 7pm airlines have cancelled a total of 114 flights – 58 incoming and 56 departing. 36 flights have diverted to other airports, with 27 go-arounds.

The airport said further “disruption and cancellations tonight are very likely”.

Met Éireann‘s latest weather update states it will remain very windy and stormy as Storm Isha tracks to the northwest of Ireland this evening.

“Very strong and gusty southwesterly winds countrywide, with strong gales and high waves along coasts and destructive gusts, especially in the west and northwest. Heavy squally showery rain will continue to track eastwards over the country,” the forecaster said.

“Very windy early tonight with very strong and gusty southwest to west winds and strong gales near coasts.

Winds will become westerly and decrease in most areas overnight, but will remain extremely strong for a time in the northwest. Rain will clear eastwards early on followed by clear spells and scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees.

People walking in high winds at Salthill Galway during Storm Isha

Damage

The Status Red warning will last in Galway and Mayo until 9pm. The warning will come into effect in Donegal at 9pm and remain in place until 1am tomorrow morning. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) in the UK has also issued a Tornado Watch for Ireland.

Photos from Eyre Square in Galway show a fallen clock that appears to have been damaged in the storm. There are multiple reports of fallen trees and damage in counties across the country.

The Meath County Council Fire & Rescue Service tweeted that it was currently attending a tree down on the Lagore Road Dunshaughlin. Meanwhile, RTÉ reports that fallen trees are causing travel disruption in parts of Kerry and Limerick.

Emergency measures

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) called a National Emergency Coordination Group meeting earlier today with with Met Éireann, the OPW, local authorities, departments and other key groups ahead of the storm.

The group has warned that the storm will bring “treacherous travelling conditions, the potential for localised flooding and the risk of significant and widespread power outages for these counties”.

In a statement after the meeting, Paul Rock, Senior Assistant Fire Adviser in the NDFEM advised people to stay away “from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings”.

“We will continue to monitor the ongoing weather conditions and ensure that all relevant state bodies are responding speedily and appropriately to meet any challenges,” he said.

I would advise everybody to monitor national and local media, including social media, over the course of this evening and tomorrow to keep up to date with information regarding the developing weather situation.

People are advised to keep phones charged in case of power outages, and only to travel when necessary.

“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished. Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions,” Rock said.

Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has also warned road users to be vigilant during and after the storm. Road users in Red affected counties are advised not the travel.

“Road users are being advised to be aware of the dangers once the storm has passed,” the RSA said in a statement.

“When the extreme weather passes road users will still have to contend with potentially hazardous road conditions such as flooded roads and downed pylons, lines, trees, branches, and other debris which could block roads.

Obey any road closures or diversions put in place by Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána.

Cancellations and power outages

A number of transport services have also been disrupted as a result of the storm.

Bus Éireann confirmed that services in Galway and Mayo will be cancelled from 4pm and will resume from the first service on Monday.

Irish Rail services are set to run as normal, however, an 80km/h speed restriction will apply to all train services operating between Athlone and Galway, and between Athlone and Westport/Ballina 5pm this evening, which will result in delays.

With reporting from Mairead Maguire