Storm Isha: Man dies in road crash and 170,000 premises without power

A MAN HAS died in a road crash in Mayo this evening as Storm Isha created dangerous driving conditions in the county.

Gardaí confirmed they are at the scene of the fatal incident on the N17 at Lisduff, Claremorris.

The driver and sole occupant of the car, a man in his 40s, died after his car left the road during difficult conditions at about 6.15pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mayo has been one of the worst impacted counties as the storm makes its way across the country. Status Red warnings were in effect for it and neighbouring Galway until 9pm, with a further Status Red warning now in effect for Donegal. The rest of the country is  covered by a Status Orange weather warning.

Over 170,000 homes, farms and businesses are currently without power, with trees felled, buildings damaged and public transport disrupted as a result of severe winds caused by the arrival of Storm Isha.

ESB Networks confirmed just after 8.30pm the number of impacted premises, putting the figure at over 170,000 but said it expects further outages as the storm tracks across the country. It said the worst impacted counties are Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Kerry.

In a statement, it added: “Further outages overnight are expected, particularly in the Northwest, with Met Éireann wind warnings remaining in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning.”

ESB Networks also said that its crews are responding where it is safe to do so but given the extent of the storm and damage to the network, “the majority of homes, farms and businesses currently impacted will remain without supply overnight”.

If you experience a power outage during the storm, updates and estimated restoration times can be found on ESB Powercheck.

The crews will mobilise again at first light to “assess the damage, making the network safe and restoring electricity supply where safe to do so”, according to the statement.

If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, don’t touch or approach these as they may be live and extremely dangerous. ESB Networks asks people to report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. 

Dublin Airport said that as of 9.30pm airlines have cancelled a total of 148 flights – 75 incoming and 73 departing. 35 flights have diverted to other airports, with 27 go-arounds.

Graeme McQueen, media relations manager at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport said the airport will be open and operational tomorrow.

“Forecasts suggest that wind speeds will remain high overnight and into Monday morning, but wind direction is forecast to switch to a more favourable westerly direction,” he said.

“Passengers scheduled to fly on Monday are advised to check directly with their airline regarding the status of their flight. Passengers seeking to re-book cancelled flights are encouraged to do this online to avoid unnecessary queuing at airline desks in the terminals which will be extra busy.

“Our advice to passengers flying on Monday remains to arrive at their terminal two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.”

He also said that additional fees incurred by car park customers delayed coming back into Dublin Airport due to Storm Isha will be waived.

Weather forecast

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 lasted in Galway and Mayo until 9pm. The warning came into effect in Donegal at 9pm and remains in place until 1am. 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.

Garda appeal

Gardaí have issued an appeal about the fatal crash on the N17 at Lisduff.

“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,” they said in a statement.

The area of the road is currently closed and is expected to remain closed overnight with local diversions in place through Ballindine and Claremorris. The services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested.

Gardaí are also appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. 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.

With reporting from Mairead Maguire and Sinéad O’Carroll