More unsettled weather ahead, says Met Éireann

Severe weather conditions eased across the country yesterday but many roads remain flooded and Met Éireann has warned of potential for further damaging winds later in the week.

Road users and public transport users were warned yesterday that many routes remained flooded and blocked by debris following the severe weather at the weekend.

AA Roadwatch advised "motorists and especially HGV [ heavy goods vehicles] drivers in exposed areas" to slow down and watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Residual flooding in many areas caused continuing disruption for motorists, with counties Mayo, Cork and Kerry worst affected.

In Co Mayo, which saw some of the worst flooding at the weekend, farmers estimated the damage to have been the worst in 20 years. Yesterday the N84 between Kilmaine and Shrule remained closed, while the N5 at Bellavary between Castlebar and Swinford was also inundated. Traffic restrictions were in place, with AA Roadwatch advising drivers to take "extreme care" and to avoid the area if possible.

Earlier, in Westport, the Louisburgh to Leenane road was closed following a landslide.

In Cork there was extensive flooding on the Inniscarra Road at Cloghroe, while the Lee Road from Wellington Bridge to Anglers Rest remained closed last night.

Severe weather at the weekend led to minor mudslides, power failures, floods, fallen trees and blocked roads in many parts of Kerry, and several roads remained closed there yesterday. The Ballylongford to Listowel Road, Gortacoco Bridge, the N69 at Mountcoal Cross and the Ballyheigue to Kilmoyley Road at Ballymacquim Cross were all affected.

The N32 in Dublin was closed yesterday morning due to high winds from the M1/M50 junction through to the junction of the Malahide Road at the Hilton Hotel. The Ballyogan Road in Stepaside was also blocked.

Irish Ferries crossings from Dublin to Holyhead were all cancelled yesterday, as was the 6pm Stena Line sailing from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead. Today's 11.10am Stena Line crossing on that route has been cancelled, while the 6pm sailing is in "grave doubt".

Flights at Dublin airport returned to normal yesterday, though waiting times extended to several hours for some passengers.

Met Éireann said winds had eased across the country but that conditions remained unsettled. Forecaster Dr Aidan Nulty said: "Wind-wise, it has eased, but it's far from settled and it will be very unsettled for the rest of the week. It will be often windy, with heavy showers or prolonged rain.

"It looks like we could get strong, damaging winds again on late Thursday into early Friday . . . There's potential for severe wind, but we will look at it later in the week and we will issue warnings if we feel it necessary."

A spokesman for the ESB said a small number of houses were without power yesterday morning, but virtually all had had it restored by last night.