Storm Chandra and days of heavy rain have caused major disruption across Ireland, with flooding, power cuts and transport chaos affecting thousands. Although a Status Yellow wind warning was in place nationwide, the scale of flooding, particularly in Dublin, caught many residents off guard.
At the height of the storm, around 20,000 homes and businesses lost power. Electricity has since been restored to most customers, but around 2,500 properties were still without power as repair work continued, according to ESB Networks. Eastern counties were the worst affected.
Flooding hits Dublin and east hardest
While Status Yellow rain warnings were officially in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford, severe flooding was reported in Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow. Homes and businesses were submerged, with residents evacuated in parts of Enniscorthy and Bunclody.
In Dublin, sudden flooding occurred with little warning. The River Dodder burst its banks, forcing the closure of Dodder Road Lower and leaving cars stranded in Rathfarnham, Sandyford, Nutgrove, Rathgar and Milltown. Parts of the M50 and N11 were closed for hours, with motorists abandoning vehicles as Dublin Fire Brigade prioritised life-threatening rescues.
Hundreds of homes were flooded in areas such as Ticknock in the Dublin Mountains, including properties belonging to Indian-origin families, with residents moved to safer locations.
Transport and flight disruption
Bus, rail and air services were badly affected. Iarnród Éireann reported flooding at multiple locations, disrupting DART and commuter services. Ferry crossings between Dublin and Holyhead were cancelled.
At Dublin Airport, strong winds led to widespread disruption, with around 20 flights cancelled by mid-afternoon and further delays expected. Passengers were advised to contact airlines directly.
Government response and financial aid
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the government would provide immediate financial assistance to households and businesses affected by the flooding. He confirmed that the Department of Social Protection will issue emergency payments, while the Department of Enterprise and Employment is activating the Business and Community Support Scheme.
Local authority teams remain on the ground in the worst-hit areas, including Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford and Cork.
Forecast criticism and warnings ahead
There has been criticism over the lack of a rain warning for Dublin, despite severe downpours. Met Éireann told the National Emergency Coordination Group that three to four times the normal rainfall fell in the south and east over the past week, and that emergency planners had been warned of a high flood risk in Dublin.
Met Éireann cautioned that while rainfall may ease, flooding risks remain for the rest of the week. Housing Minister James Brown said the government will examine the need for a stronger flood warning system.
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid flood-prone areas, heed road closures, and follow updates from local councils and emergency services.