Around 15,500 homes, farms and businesses remain without electricity across Ireland after Storm Chandra made landfall overnight, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and widespread flooding.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for the entire country, in place until 11pm on Tuesday. The forecaster warned that winds associated with Storm Chandra will be very strong and gusty, especially along coasts and in exposed areas. A Status Yellow rain warning is also in effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford.
ESB Networks said repair crews have been mobilised nationwide and are working to assess damage and restore power as quickly as possible.
Travel chaos and work-from-home appeal
Motorists are facing major delays, particularly on the M50, where one lane remains closed between Junction 13 Dundrum and Junction 12 Firhouse following a collision. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has urged people to work from home if possible. TII’s Sean O’Neill told RTÉ that travel through the area is unlikely to be productive today.
Rail services have also been badly affected. Iarnród Éireann warned of major disruption to DART and commuter services, with flooding reported at several locations. Services between Enniscorthy and Wexford are suspended for the day. The Phoenix Park Tunnel in Dublin, which was closed due to flooding, has since reopened.
Flights diverted, schools closed
Dublin Airport** said flight operations are being impacted, with some flights diverted to Shannon Airport due to strong winds. A Titan Airways cargo flight was also diverted. At Belfast City Airport, at least 30 flights have been cancelled.
Flooding has led to school closures in County Wexford, after the River Slaney burst its banks. In Dungarvan, the Military Road is closed, while in Limerick racing at the track was cancelled after it was deemed waterlogged.
Dublin Fire Brigade** said crews are responding to multiple flooding incidents across the capital.
Warnings remain in place
Met Éireann meteorologist Rebecca Cantwell said Storm Chandra will continue to bring heavy rain and strong winds, slowly clearing northwards later on Tuesday. She echoed advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay back, stay high, stay dry.”
In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has issued a Status Orange wind warning for Antrim, Down and Derry, with more than 300 schools closed.
Looking ahead
Wednesday is expected to bring brighter conditions with sunny spells and scattered showers. However, Met Éireann said unsettled weather will return later in the week, with further rain and showers likely as low-pressure systems continue to dominate.