Over 4,000 homes and businesses are without power in Waterford tonight as Storm Darragh takes effect.
Fallen trees have been reported on roads across the county overnight, with gusts of up to 108km/h having been recorded.
Power outages have been logged in Dungarvan, with significant outages affecting thousands of customers in the Abbeyside and Ballinroad areas - though much of these faults have since been restored.
Customers are also without electricity in parts of Lismore, Tallow, Clashmore, An Rinn, Kilmacthomas, Dunhill, Fenor, Tramore and Dunmore East.
4,753 outages have been reported do far - with estimated repair times ranging up to 5pm tomorrow evening.
A status orange wind warning remains in place until 10am Saturday morning with a yellow warning to hold until 3pm.
Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and strong and gusty northwest winds, potentially leading to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, damage to temporary structures, fallen trees, localised flooding, disruption to services and damage to power lines.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary arrangements are put in place, with Council ground crews on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
Please note the following emergency contact numbers:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
Key Public safety messages for Storm Darragh:
- The public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
- Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g. cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.
- There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.
- People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
