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At least 35,000 homes are without power this morning as Storm Hector swept the country overnight. Forecasters have warned of severe and potentially damaging gusts of up to 125km/hr. It seems the power outages have been caused by fallen trees on overhead wires.
MET Éireann issued a status orange weather warning yesterday for counties Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. Meanwhile, a status yellow warning has been issued for Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Clare and Kerry. The weather warning will remain in place until 10 am.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland, ESB’s Head of Communications Bernadine Moloney said the power should be restored to everybody by this evening, if not sooner. ESB has also warned people to stay away from fallen or damaged electricity wires.
Drivers have been asked to be extra cautious on roads as fallen trees are blocking roads nationwide; particularly in the north-west and midlands. AA Roadwatch has been tweeting regular updates, with trees down in Donegal; Clare; Monaghan; Cavan and Louth.
#StormHector is trending on Twitter, with people from around the country sharing pictures of storm damage.
If you’re experiencing a power cut, ensure you’re stocked up on the following:
– Torches (and spare batteries)
– Candles (LED if possible)
– Bottled water
– Charged mobile phone(s)
– Alternative methods of heat
– Blankets
– ESB phone number: 1850 372 999
– Visit powercheck.ie
Photo: Met Éireann