73 thousand homes and businesses are without power as a result of Storm Eunice.
A nationwide status yellow wind and rain warning remains in place until 6pm, while a status yellow snow and ice warning is in effect for the whole country until tomorrow morning.
Gusts of up to 130km per hour were recorded in the south this morning, with off-shore winds reaching as fast as a 170km per hour.
Speaking to Beat News, Micheal Kelly of Waterford City Weather outlines what we can expect:
Power Cuts
Over 13,000 ESB customers are without electricity this morning, as Storm Eunice hits Ireland.
The majority of power outages have been reported in Co Kerry so far, where over 9,500 people have been affected.
In the South East, power cuts have also been reported in Wexford and Tipperary.
In Wexford, 2,748 Customers are affected in Wexford Town while 66 customers are affected in Bealistown, and power is expected to be restored by 11:30 am, while 13 ESB customers are affected in Bellfield with power expected to be back on from 6 pm.
Barntown have also been hit with 94 Customers are affected along with Clonroche.
Further north in Wexford, 25 customers are affected in Banoge with power expected to be restored soon at 10:15 am.
While in Bunclody, 1,178 Customers are affected until 12:45pm.
In Tipperary, 1,671 ESB Customers in Deerpark have had their power restored.
While in Waterford, Tramore has been hit, 54 Customers are affected in the seaside town while 199 customers are without power in Kilmacthomas.
Kilcaragh has 685 Customers are affected by the storm.
In Carlow, 77 Customers are affected by electricity cuts in Bagenalstown.
Kilkenny did not escape, according to the ESB Power Check website, customers in Castlecomer and Purcells Inch are now without electricity.
In a statement to Beat News, an ESB spokesperson has issuede this advice:
• Stay Safe, Stay Clear of fallen electricity wires. Report any damage to network by calling 1800 372 999
• As at 12 noon, more than 80,000 electricity customers remain without power across the country
• Safety of public and crews is critical. ESB Networks will be making safe faults throughout the day and restoring supply remotely and on site when safe to do so
• Check estimated restoration times or report an outage on Powercheck.ie
To see live updates for power cuts click here.
Transport
Meanwhile, reports of fallen trees and debris on South East roads are adding to dangerous driving conditions.
Speaking to Beat News, David Minogue of Wexford County Council is urging people not to travel today:
Bus Eireann services in Cork, Kerry and Clare have resumed, but a number of flights out of Cork and Dublin have been cancelled.
The N25 New Ross Bypass which includes the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge is closed from the Glenmore roundabout to the R733 Junction. Local authorities say local diversions through New Ross town are in place and the road is to reopen at 12pm.
⚠️There are widespread dangers on our roads at the moment due to the storm. Please, please refrain from unnecessary travel for the time being. Stay safe. ⚠️ @SouthEastRadio @beat102103 @byrne_padraig @DLooby1977 @Simon_Bourke28 @cllrglawlor @cllrmsheehan
— Wexford County Council (@wexfordcoco) February 18, 2022
Meanwhile, in Waterford, there are reports of trees down at Carriglea Road heading for West Waterford Golf Club.
There's also a fallen tree down in Leoville, Dunmore Road estate blocking the road.
Roof slates are also reported falling from buildings at Merchants Quay in the City. Extreme caution is advised.
Speaking to Beat News, Road Safety Officer for Carlow County Council John McDarby says caution is key:
The Road Safety Authority has assured learner drivers they won't be charged if their tests are cancelled as a result of the storm.
Driving tests that were due to take place in Cork, Clare, Kerry and Waterford have been cancelled due to red wind warnings in these areas.
The RSA says anyone in counties under a status orange alert can cancel their test today without charge if they don't feel safe to travel.
They won't lose their fee and will be issued with another invite to book a test in the coming days.
Waterford City and County Council logged approximately fifty calls relating to fallen trees and overhanging branches, while hundreds of homes were left without electricity due to power outages and Irish Water reported supply issues at Stradbally, Grange, Kill, Ballylaneen and surrounds due to power outages.
Waterford City and County Council reported no significant coastal flooding and while precautionary measures were taken by erecting flood defence barriers and closing the Prom in Tramore, along with car parks at Davitt’s Quay, the Pond and the Look Out in Dungarvan, storm surge levels were lower than anticipated.
Fergus Galvin, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said Storm Eunice caused no significant damage.
“We received calls from the public about fallen trees, slates and blocked roads, but in the main and thankfully, no one was injured and no significant flooding or structural damage was caused.”
“Since the Red weather warning was lifted the Councils’ ground crews and fire services have been at the scenes of fallen trees removing them and ensuring roads are cleared and passable. Priority is being given to the National Network and Regional Roads initially, with preference to be given to opening blocked roads and pushing trees to the side where possible to allow traffic to pass.”
“We would expect to have all the blocked roads and paths cleared later this afternoon.”
While the worst of the storm has passed, the country remains at a Status Yellow weather warning and Waterford City and County Council advises that the public exercise caution and continue to report fallen trees.
Education
Schools and colleges in Waterford are closed for a time along with eight other counties affected by red or orange weather warnings.
Pupils in Cork, Kerry, Clare, Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon will remain at home.
WIT has told Beat News that students are on reading week but some still use facilities. The institute has advised students to check their website for any updates to re-opening at midday today.
Photo by Ray Bilcliff from Pexels
