ESB Networks has confirmed that almost 400,000 homes, farms and businesses around the country are without power this morning (Saturday, December 7) as a result of Storm Darragh.
The storm, which brought gusts of around 140km/hr in places, has resulted in numerous fallen trees, debris, damage to power lines and very difficult travelling conditions.
Met Éireann has said that a Status Orange wind warning will remain in place for the entire country until 10:00a.m today.
Once that warning expires, a Status Yellow wind warning for all counties will remain in place until 3:00p.m today.
A Status Yellow for heavy rain for the country will also be in place until 10:00a.m today.
Storm Darragh
ESB Networks said that as of 7:00a.m this morning, approximately 395,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power due to damage caused by Storm Darragh.
ESB Networks said that crews and partner contractors began mobilising from early morning assessing the damage, making the network safe and restoring electricity supply where safe to do so.
“With Met Éireann wind warnings remaining in place for the entire country until this afternoon, further power outages can be expected from potentially damaging gusts.
“Given the extent of the storm, estimated restoration times will be updated throughout the day as fault sites are assessed and restoration work progresses – these will be available on the ESB Power Check website,” an ESB spokesperson.
Uisce Éireann has asked customers to conserve water in the areas which have been impacted by power outages.
Gas Networks Ireland said that during a power cut, gas supplies and gas meters should continue to operate as normal.
Although they operate by burning gas, most gas appliances rely on mains electricity for items such as pumps, fans, electronic controls and so on, so in the event of a power outage they may not operate until the power is restored.
When the power is restored, gas appliances should operate as normal, but some boilers may need to be reset.
The utility advised that generators or other petrol or diesel equipment should not be run indoors, under cover or close to access points in the property such as doors, windows or ventilation points.
Trees
Meanwhile, local authorities across the country are reporting numerous fallen trees blocking roads and fallen wires.
Sligo County Council has reported that a shed has landed on the Ballygawley to Ballintogher road.
The council said that its roads crews would not be dealing with any incidents until it is safe to do so.
Numerous fallen trees have also been reported across Co. Kerry this morning.
Kerry County Council is advising members of the public not to attempt to remove fallen trees as they could put themselves in danger due to fallen powerlines, or unsafe trees.
Storm Darragh will continue to bring very windy or stormy conditions this morning.
Met Éireann has said that winds will gradually moderate during the afternoon, but will continue strong in the east through the evening.
The rain will clear from the northeast and east this morning with scattered blustery showers following for the rest of the day, mainly over the west, with isolated thunderstorms and possible hail. Highest afternoon temperatures of 6° to 11°C.