Search icon

News

23rd Nov 2024

Storm Bert causes power outages and travel disruption across Ireland

Stephen Porzio

Over 60,000 homes and businesses were without power this morning, with the storm also impacting Dublin Airport flights.

Storm Bert made landfall in Ireland on Friday night (22 November), with several Status Yellow warnings still in effect for the entirety of Ireland.

Ahead of the storm, Met Éireann also had issued a Status Red rainfall warning for the counties of Cork and Galway, which has since passed.

The red alert had warned of possible damage to homes and businesses, dangerous travelling conditions and severe flooding.

This appears to have to come to pass in Cork and Galway, as well as some other counties.

According to reports, over 60,000 homes and businesses were without power on Saturday morning due to Storm Bert, with the ESB Networks Powercheck revealing that the outages were spread across Ireland.

“We’re assessing the damage to the electricity network caused by the recent weather event. We’ll provide updates on the estimated restoration times as soon as crews have evaluated impacted areas. Thank you for your understanding,” ESB said in a statement.

“Fallen Electricity Wires are live and dangerous. Never approach or touch them. Call our emergency service immediately on 1800 372 999 (+353 21 2382410), 999 or 112.”

On top of this, the Cork and Galway county councils took to Twitter to warn people about flooding and “impassable” roads.

There has also been reports of a landslide in Galway near Maam Valley.

Due to the storm, the Corkmas Festive Market was cancelled for today.

It wasn’t just Cork and Galway that were affected by Storm Bert, with photos of severe flooding being shared by business owners in Donegal.

The storm also caused delays to Irish Rail services, as well as at Dublin Airport.

Bus Éireann cancelled a number of its services in Cork and Galway too.

Read more:

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge