Gales and heavy rain to continue today

Stormy conditions are expected to continue around the country today with further heavy rain and gale force winds.

Stormy conditions are expected to continue around the country today with further heavy rain and gale force winds.

Gusts of up to 80 miles per hour swept across most of south Munster and south-east Leinster last night causing flooding, delays to ferry services and flights and disrupting traffic.

The first of this winter's big storms is expected to ease later this afternoon. However, wet and windy conditions will continue to be experienced across the country.

AA Roadwatch have advised motorists to exercise extreme caution again today, particularly on open roads, urging drivers to watch out for fallen trees debris.

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Ms Joan Blackburn, of Met Éireann, said winds would be abating this afternoon but "it will continue to be blustery". The storm approached the south-west coast of Ireland from late yesterday evening but the worst of the stormy conditions were experienced overnight.

A spokesperson for the ESB said there were no major incidents to report up to early last evening.

Some 2,700 ESB technicians were put on stand-by early yesterday and additional staff were deployed at the ESB's contact centre.

A spokesman for the company appealed to anyone who sees a fallen power line not to approach it and notify the ESB. If the power goes out, all appliances should be treated as if they are live, he warned. The ESB emergency line is 1850 372 999.

Some flights at Dublin Airport were delayed yesterday as well as ferry crossings from Rosslare to Fishguard and Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead.

The National Safety Council issued a statement advising motorists not to travel unless absolutely necessary. The statement advised motorists to notify someone at their destination, and indicate what time they expected to arrive.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists were also urged to stay indoors.