Ireland is facing a challenging weather situation, as Status Yellow warnings have been issued for 11 counties due to adverse conditions following Storm Boelo. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with approximately 5,000 homes and businesses still without power, primarily in the northwest, according to ESB Networks. This represents a significant improvement from the earlier count of 41,000 outages. Crews are working diligently to restore electricity, but some areas may remain without power overnight.
The weather has also disrupted travel, with Dublin Airport experiencing the cancellation of 30 flights. Authorities have cautioned that further delays and cancellations could occur, given the strong winds and poor conditions at other airports.
The Status Yellow wind warning is in effect for counties including Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Mayo, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow from 5 p.m. on Monday until 11:59 p.m. Residents are advised to prepare for difficult travel conditions and potential hazards like fallen trees or branches.
In addition to wind warnings, rain alerts have been announced for Cork, Kerry, Galway, and Mayo. The heavy rainfall expected in these areas could lead to localized flooding, especially in the west and southwest, where the ground is already saturated and river levels are high.
Emergency management officials report ongoing recovery operations, particularly in Donegal, where numerous fallen trees and debris have been noted. While Leitrim also experienced fallen trees, it appears to have avoided significant damage.
Meteorologists indicate that while the incoming weather system does not meet the criteria for a named storm, additional rain and strong winds may exacerbate conditions in areas already impacted by recent storms. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when traveling and to report any hazards, such as fallen or damaged electricity wires, to ESB Networks.