According to The Journal, around 60,000 premises across Ireland are without electricity and several counties are experiencing severe flooding as Storm Bert sweeps across the country, with western regions bearing the brunt of the extreme weather.
ESB crews are working to restore power in the worst-affected areas, including Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Kerry and Cork. The public has been warned to avoid any fallen electricity wires and report them immediately to 1800 372 999.
The Road Safety Authority has urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, with multiple road closures reported across affected counties. Killybegs in Donegal has been particularly impacted by flooding.
Met Éireann has issued new Status Yellow wind warnings for various counties, with Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow under alert from 5pm today until 2am tomorrow. Additional warnings are in place for other counties through Monday.
Dr Jennifer Keenahan from UCD has raised specific concerns about the storm’s impact on infrastructure, warning that saturated ground conditions could affect bridge foundations. The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds poses particular risks to bridge structures.
Public transport has been disrupted, with Bus Éireann cancelling some western services and train delays reported nationwide. Transport for Ireland advises passengers to check service status before traveling.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management continues to monitor the situation, with local authority emergency teams responding to incidents as needed.