Met Éireann issues weather warning

Several flights have been cancelled this evening mainly because of gale-force conditions in Britain, although high winds have…

Several flights have been cancelled this evening mainly because of gale-force conditions in Britain, although high winds have also affected flights out of Irish airports.

Met Éireann issued a severe weather warning across Ireland at midnight last night which remains in place. Storm-force winds which battered the country overnight abated today but are expected to pick up again tonight. A gale warning for seas around Ireland also remains in place until well into tomorrow.

Met Éireann said two storm centres crossing the country overnight could lead to average wind speeds of 50-60kph and gusts of up to 100-140kph. Road users are reminded to watch out for falling trees asnd debris.

The stormy conditions overnight led to a number of delays and cancellations at the State's main airports today and more are scheduled later. Intending passengers are advised to use airport websites or contact their airline or airport by phone before setting out.

READ MORE

Heavy rain and high tides brought localised flooding to a number of southern areas today and Met Éireann has warned there could be more problems as heavy showers persist throughout the night.

The River Suir burst its banks in Waterford city today, causing flooding on Scotch Quay and Williams Street. There was also flooding on the N25 Waterford-to-Wexford road along the Quays in New Ross.

Dublin City Council closed the Liffey boardwalk - which was closed for part of last night - again this afternoon in advance of high tide. A number of roads and parts of roads in the Sandymount, south Dublin were also closed for a time.

The council has put flood relief measures in place at key locations in Sandymount, Ringsend and Clontarf in addition to substantial defence works, which have been carried out over the last six years, she said. Forklifts were used to place heavy dam bags on the seafront in some areas.

Minister for the Environment John Gormley praised local authorities for putting their anti-flood plans quickly into operation.

Irish Ferries' 8.45am sailing on the Rosslare-to-Pembroke ferry was cancelled but the 9.00pm is due to depart on time. The Dublin to Hollyhead ferry tonight is due to leave as scheduled at 8.55pm. All sailings on the Jonathan Swiftbetween Dublin and Holyhead were cancelled.

Stenaline ferries were cancelled this morning but were due to operate as scheduled this evening.

Iarnród Éireann said the Ennis/Limerick rail would remain closed due to flooding.