LATEST: Ex Ophelia - in the eye of the storm
Wednesday 1:35
As the clean-up operation continues in the wake of Storm Ophelia, householders are now preparing for a second storm 'Brian' is to hit Ireland this weekend, bringing strong winds and rain.
Met Eireann forecaster John Eagleton has said that Storm Brian is nothing to worry about here. "It's a moving depression rather than a hurricane. It's moving south and will bring a lot of rain and strong winds. I don't think it will hit Ireland as hard as it will hit the UK."
Storm Brian is expected to hit on Friday as it will be wet and windy, and the weather will gradually move south-east. Saturday and Sunday will also see a lot of heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Brian passes through Ireland.
Wednesday 1:29
Power has now been returned to almost all homes in County Cavan affected by ex Ophelia. Forty customers in the Finea area are due to be reconnected by 6pm this evening after enduring a second night without power. The clean-up continues.
Tuesday 2.53pm
ESB Networks are still working to restore power to over 350 homes in this region. Customers affected are: Ballyconnell 46, Ballyjamesduff 29, Cavan Town 95, Clones 17, Finea 38, Killeshandra 131, Lloyd 22, Virginia 13
Cavan County Council and the Fire Services reported that they responded to 43 incidents up to 11am today - they mostly related to fallen trees at various locations across the county; CEO Tommy Ryan has paid tribute to all council staff and emergency services personnel.
Tuesday
12:00pm
As the clean up after Storm Ophelia takes place the country is readying itself for the potential of another onslaught by the elements.
Storm Brian may lack the ferocity of its predecessor, but he will bring strong winds and rain to the country.
The ESB Networks crews working around the country to restore power to 245,000 customers may be racking up the overtime hours before next weekend is out as Brian hits Ireland.
However Met Eireann say that Storm Brian is nothing to worry about here in Ireland.
The storm is described as a “moving depression” rather than a hurricane.
It is expected to bring a lot of rain and strong winds, but it is anticipated that it hit the UK harder than Ireland.
Storm Brian is expected to reach land on Friday as it will be wet and windy, and the weather will gradually move south-east. Saturday and Sunday will also see a lot of heavy rain and strong winds as Storm Brian passes through Ireland.
Tuesday
8.15am
Back with some early morning updates on the fallout from ex-hurricane Ophelia.
- Castlepollard/Virginia Rd (R195) remains blocked by fallen trees on either side of Oldcastle
- The Council is warning of trees down this morning at Lisnamaine Milltown, Crover House and Ballymachugh Church. "Please avoid these areas this morning"
- Meanwhile ESB Networks are working to restore power in parts of Cavan with hundreds of homes still without. These include:
Ballyconnell - 46
Ballyjamesduff - 23
CMX - 50
Cavan - 95
Clones - 92
Derrycramph - 16
Errigal - 24
Finea - 85
Killeshandra - 397
Kingscourt - 35
Lisdrung - 76
Lloyd - 22
Mullagh - 78
Virginia- 13
- If you have any photos of details of the damage from yesterday's storm in your area, please post them to our Facebook feed, or email the editor Linda@anglocelt.ie
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6.18pm
ESB Networks:
Storm Ophelia hit Ireland’s southern coast early this morning bringing gusts in excess of 130km/h, with the storm tracking northwards over the course of the day. As of 4:30 pm, approximately 360,000 electricity customers are without power as a result of over 3,200 individual faults on the network across the country. Fallen trees on overhead lines are responsible for most of the damage to the network.
The majority of customers who have lost supply at present will be without power tonight and over a number of days. Based on previous experience of Storm Darwin in 2014, where about 280,000 customers were left without supply, we can predict that it will take a number of days to restore power to all customers.
We are advising all customers impacted by outages that they should prepare to be without electricity for number of days. It is very important that any customers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
Crews in southern counties have now mobilised, and are assessing damage to the network there, before commencing the necessary work to restore power. Crews in more northerly locations will be deployed once it is safe to do so.
An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1850 372 999.
6.10pm
All National Parks and Reserves will remain closed to the public tomorrow, Tuesday, 17 October, pending the conduction of safety inspections.
We will make a further announcement at noon tomorrow.
6.05pm
Updated Statement 18.00 hrs, Monday, October 16th
Statement Update: Bus Éireann will resume all services apart from the School Transport Scheme tomorrow (October 17 at 0500 hours) but expect some disruption.
Bus Éireann plan to operate a full schedule of services tomorrow (October 17) from 0500 hours, with the exception of services provided under the School Transport Scheme.
This is due to the decision of the Department of Education and Skills that all schools should remain closed tomorrow.
This resumption includes all Bus Éireann services, the Expressway network, Eurolines and GoBÉ services.
However, we expect disruption to some services in areas where the worst damage has been caused by the storm.
This may include diversions, delays or cancellations. We will be guided by the advice of local authorities or other bodies regarding roads that are affected.
We will be providing updates on www.buseireann.ie and on Twitter and Facebook @buseireann and to local, regional and national media – as soon as the position becomes clearer.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused but safety is the utmost priority at this time.
5.50pm
Tree down on the N54 between Butlersbridge and Leggykelly
5:23pm
Trees and ESB poles down at Staghall Church; also between New Inns and Assan Bridge
5:05pm
Additional trees down at Castle Saunderson and Lissanover. Fire Service has responded to 17 incidents so far
5:00pm
Several trees down in Virginia, at Lurgan Cross, Dunancory Bridge, and Virginia Park Lodge
4:45pm
On the Carrickmacross Road at the entrance to Dun a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt, several trees are down blocking entrance #ophelia
4:20pm
Weather claims third victim
Its being reported that a third person has died as a result of the storm. Emergency services were called to the scene at Ravensdale in County Louth, just north or Dundalk. The man died as a result of a tree falling on his car. This brings to three the number of fatalities attributed to ex Hurricane Ophelia.
3:50pm
Latest power outages - Cavan Town 1,264; Killeshandra 791; Virginia 673; Tullynamlara, 216; Carrigallen, 863; Clones 1,204; Slane 88; Also anecdotal reports of outages in Arva, Ballinagh, Lacken and Ricehill also
3:09pm
All schools, colleges and creches to remain closed tomorrow - latest from Department of Education
3:05pm
Latest power outages - Cavan Town 1,264; Killeshandra 791; Virginia 13; Tullynamlara, 216; Carrigallen, 863; Clones 1,204; Slane 88; Also anecdotal reports of outages in Arva, Ballinagh, Lacken and Ricehill also
3:02pm
Seamus Enright braves the elements!
2:58pm
Check out this picture from Cork
2:56pm
Gardaí are at scene of a fatal incident that occurred at Ballybrado, Cahir, Co. Tipperary at approximately 12.30pm today.
A man in his early 30s was seriously injured by a chainsaw while clearing a fallen tree. He has since passed away and his body has been removed to Clonmel Hospital.
Gardaí continue to advise all persons to stay indoors and not to venture out. Do not put your life or the lives of the Emergency Services at risk by travelling unless absolutely necessary.
Please be advised if you require urgent assistance of the emergency services to dial 999.
2:48PM
Latest power outages - Cavan Town 1,264; Killeshandra 246; Virginia 13; Carrigallen, 863. Anecdotal reports of outages in Arva, Ballinagh and Ricehill also
2:34pm
863 Customers without power in Carrigallen.
1717 Customers without power in Cavan town.
13 Customers without power in Virginia
2:26pm
Tree down at Kilmore Cathedral; bushes and branches on N3, strong cross winds reported.
2.22pm
First reports of power outages from County Cavan - 250 customers without power in Killeshandra and 40 in Cavan Town
2.19pm
Tesco Ireland Statement
All Tesco Ireland stores have now closed due to the Hurricane Ophelia. We thank all our colleagues today who did their best to serve customers in the few hours this morning before the storm hit. We will reopen once it is safe to do so. All colleagues who were due to work today but were unable to turn in due to difficulties travelling or for other reasons will be paid for today. We hope everyone stays safe today.
14:05pm
The wind is definitely rising. Check out the video
1.30pm
GARDA WARNING after fallen tree kills driver in Waterford
Gardaí are at scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred outside Aglish village on the R671 this morning at 11.40a.m. Monday 16th October, 2017.
A female driver (mid 50s) was fatally injured when the car she was driver was struck by a falling tree. A female passenger (mid 70s) was injured and has been removed to Waterford Regional Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Emergencies services are still at scene.
Gardaí urge all road users to remain indoors and not to travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary. Weather conditions in West Waterford and Waterford city are currently described as severe and reports of numerous falling trees due to high winds.
1.21pm
Bus Éireann suspend all services for the rest of day but will resume tomorrow (October 17) from 5am
Bus Éireann will continue suspension of all services for the remainder of the day (October 16th), in line with advice to the public not to travel.
It is planned that a full schedule of services will resume from tomorrow morning (October 17th) at 5am.
This includes all Bus Éireann services, the Expressway network, School Transport Scheme, Eurolines and GoBE services.
Some School Transport Scheme services – which travel on minor roads – could be curtailed tomorrow morning or diverted due to flooding or fallen trees.
We will be providing updates on www.buseireann.ie and on Twitter and Facebook @buseireann and to local, regional and national media.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused but safety of passengers and our employees is the utmost priority at this time.
12.50pm
Met Eireann has issued a revised weather warning in relation to Ex-Hurricane Ophelia.
A Status RED warning is now in operation across the country from 06:00 16/10/17 to 23:00 16/10/17.
"Ophelia is forecast to track directly over Ireland during daytime Monday. Violent and destructive gusts are forecast with all areas at risk and in particular the southwest and south in the morning, and eastern counties in the afternoon. Also heavy rain and storm surges along some coasts will result in flooding. There is potential risk to lives"
In light of the revised warning An Garda Síochána wish to renew their appeal to all motorists and members of the public to not make any non-essential journeys. There should be no cycling and drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists should also be aware of the extreme danger posed by gale force winds as they are particularly vulnerable.
People living in coastal areas are also being warned of the risk posed by flooding from storm surge and the Coast Guard is requesting members of the public to avoid any visits or walks to coastal or cliff areas and waterways.
It is envisaged that there will be significant damage caused by winds, especially in the nature of fallen trees and downed power wires. Please assume that any fallen wires are live and do not approach or touch the wires. Please report any fallen wires to the emergency services.
Further information and updates can be obtained from Met Eireann www.met.ie
12.29pm
Irish Water Storm Ophelia update
Irish Water has incident plans in place and crews on standby to deal with the effects of Storm Ophelia. Irish Water recognises that the predicted conditions are likely to result in power outages at critical water and wastewater installations which could compromise service delivery. Heavy rainfall may also increase the risk of flooding.
Power outages may impact the operation of our water treatment plants which would compromise the safety of drinking water. Where risk arises, working with the HSE, Irish Water will impose precautionary Boil Water Notices as necessary.
Irish Water is collating information on outages and other issues and will be updating our website constantly during this crisis. We envisage that crews will be unlikely to be able to respond to breakdowns in plants until it is safe to do so and this may lead to a loss of service for a period. However Irish Water and Local Authorities crews will respond as quickly as possible to restore services when it is safe to do so.
If you have issues with your water supply please view our service supply map on water.ie, visit twitter at @IWCare or call us on 1850 278 278. We would appreciate if members of the public would only call if there is an emergency as there are staff shortages in our call centre in Cork today. If there is a high volume of calls there may be some delay in getting through, we are grateful for your patience and cooperation.
12.05pm
Storm Ophelia ESB Networks Outage update: 120,000 customers, predominantly in southern counties are left without power
• Majority of customers currently without electricity will be without supply overnight
• Crews across the country are in the process of responding to electricity outages, once it is safe to do so
• Customers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional
Storm Ophelia hit Ireland’s southern coast early this morning bringing gusts in excess of 130km/h, with the initial impact causing damage to the electricity network across southern counties. Falling trees on overhead lines are responsible for most of the damage to the network. Crews across the country are in the process of responding to electricity outages, once it is safe to do so.
As of 12 noon, approximately 120,000 electricity customers are without power. The main areas impacted are in the southern half of the country and include counties Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Limerick.
As the storm tracks across the country, ESB Networks is prioritising emergency situations. Once the electricity network is made safe, our crews will commence restoration of power to our customers.
However, the majority of customers who have lost supply at present will be without power overnight. From previous similar storms, e.g. Storm Darwin, where over 200,000 customers were left without supply, we can predict that it will take a number of days to restore power to all customers.
It is very important that any customers who use electrically powered medical devices should contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
ESB Networks remains at Red Weather Preparedness Level. We are continually monitoring the forecasts and real time events on the electricity network and will deploy resources safely to these events. Over the course of the day, our crews will be dispatched to the affected areas without electricity supply, making the electricity network safe and assessing the damage, so that they can restore power as quickly and effectively as possible.
An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1850 372 999.
Customers without power can check for updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at www.esbpowercheck.ie or on the PowerCheck App for iPhone and Android devices.
If your fault is not logged please report it at https://www.esbnetworks.ie/power-outages-updates/report-a-power-outage.
Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location.
You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.
ESB Networks is reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut:
• Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away – report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully
• Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost
• Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored
• Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames
• Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries
• Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters.
Real time information on power outages and restoration times is available at: www.esbpowercheck.ie with further information available at: https://www.esbnetworks.ie/power-outages-updates/latest-updates
12 noon
The clement weather of this morning may give people the impressions that the storm is not a threat, but quite the opposite is true. The first tendrels of the Ex Huricane are making their presence felt as Cavan redies itself for its approach.
Cavan County Council have issued the following updated infromation:
All council offices are closed today. In addition Cavan’s three Civic Amenity sites, and libraries will remain closed for the day. Emergency crews will be on standby throughout the day and through the night. Management staff will monitor the situation on an ongoing basis. Priority will be given to emergency requests for assistance. Members of the public are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and take due care.
Cavan County Council’s out of hours emergency number is 087 611 8116.
In addition, for the duration of the storm, out of hours emergency calls to our Municipal District offices will be available at the following numbers:
Cavan – Belturbet MD: 049 952 6121
Ballyjamesduff MD: 049 854 7013
Bailieborough – Cootehill MD: 049 437 8477
For reporting of electricity emergencies you can follow @ESBNetworks. The 24 hour emergency number 1850 372 999 or +353 21 2382410 can sometimes be busy if there is widespread disruption to the electricity service. During these times, a system of automated messages are provided.
The ESB Network ask customers to only contact them in emergency situations and not to report outages
General advice:
Prepare an emergency home storm kit: Just like what you might have in your car, the AA is advising Irish householders gather together a few vital things to ensure you are “prepared for the worst”.
They recommend: Necessary medication, emergency telephone numbers, a first-aid kit, a torch, and a camera to photograph any damage.
Do what you can to prepare your property. Check your roof for loose tiles, clear out the gutters and trim small trees.
12 noon
Bus Éireann Statement:
Bus Éireann cancel all services nationwide from 0500 to 1400 on Monday, October 16
Situation will be reviewed and some services may resume in the afternoon
Bus Éireann will not operate any of its nationwide services – including the Expressway network – from 0500 hours to 1400 tomorrow (October 16th) due to a national red weather alert.
The company will review the situation in the morning, and will attempt to provide some level of service in some parts of the country in the afternoon, but it is likely widespread disruption could continue for most of the day.
This unprecedented decision is taken in the interests of our customers and staff, and following careful consideration of the advice of agencies co-ordinating a response to Hurricane Ophelia.
We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption this will cause, but the hurricane is described as a ‘life threatening event’ and both Met Éireann and the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group have advised people to ‘stay indoors’ and ‘not to travel.’ Bus Éireann have also informed their employees not to travel to work tomorrow before 2pm.
We will be advising customers of any resumption of services in the afternoon on www.buseireann.ie and on social media @buseireann, and local and regional media will receive any updates.
Please consult these for information. It is envisaged that most services will resume on Tuesday, but this will be reviewed and is dependent on the level of damage or flooding caused by Hurricane Ophelia.
11.55am
*** Council update.
All council offices are closed today. In addition Cavan’s three Civic Amenity sites, and libraries will remain closed for the day. Emergency crews will be on standby throughout the day and through the night. Management staff will monitor the situation on an ongoing basis. Priority will be given to emergency requests for assistance. Members of the public are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and take due care.
Cavan County Council’s out of hours emergency number is 087 611 8116.
In addition, for the duration of the storm, out of hours emergency calls to our Municipal District offices will be available at the following numbers:
Cavan – Belturbet MD: 049 952 6121
Ballyjamesduff MD: 049 854 7013
Bailieborough – Cootehill MD: 049 437 8477
Cavan County Council advises the following:
· Don’t travel during the height of the storm unless absolutely necessary. Listen to local radio and national media broadcasts regarding the current weather situation.
· Very strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
· Gardaí have advised that cycling is to be avoided.
· Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country. The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372 999.
· The Department of Education has instructed all schools remain closed. Crèches and Montessori facilities should also remain closed tomorrow. Bus Éireann’s school bus service will not be running.
· People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours in advance of the oncoming severe weather and again after the worst of the event has passed.
· People are advised to remove patio furniture, rubbish bins, trampolines and any loose items from around buildings, which can be turned into missiles by the wind.
The public are again reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings. Information is available across social media platforms and other traditional media sources.
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Tommy Ryan has urged members of the public to heed the warnings of Gardaí and Met Éireann and remain indoors where possible.
11.22am
HSE Media Statement Re Storm Opheilia
Update from HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) Area 1 (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan & Sligo)
Due to the upgrading of the “Red” weather warning by Met Eireann to the whole country as a result of storm Ophelia, patients need to take note of the following;
CHO Area 1 has issued the following update in respect of services for Monday 16th October 2017 on the best available information with regard to storm Ophelia
Community Health Services in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan & Sligo
We are advising people should only travel if essential
If you are scheduled for a service at one of our Health Centres and you are in any doubt please ensure you contact the centre on Monday and discuss with the staff
The same advice applies to Community Mental Health Services.
We are advising people to avoid all non-essential travel.
Our Home Care Services including visits from Public Health Nurses and Home Help Staff will be restricted to essential work and will reflect the type of service we provide on Sundays and Bank Holidays
If you have any concerns please contact your local Health Centre or service provider
If that position changes in the next 12-18 hours we will advise through local media
We are continuing to monitor the situation, at this point mean we will operate normal services to the best of our ability
HSE CHO Area 1 is working with the Local Authorities and An Garda Siochana in our area to plan for any assistance that the public might need during the critical phase of storm Ophelia
11 am
Cavan County Council last night issued this statement:
All unnecessary travel should be avoided on Monday while the storm is passing.
· Don’t travel during the height of the storm unless absolutely necessary. Listen to local radio and national media broadcasts regarding the current weather situation.
· Very strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
· Gardaí have advised that cycling is to be avoided.
· Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country, with contingency planning activated by the ESB. The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372 999.
· The Department of Education has instructed all schools remain closed. Crèches and Montessori facilities should also remain closed tomorrow. Bus Éireann’s school bus service will not be running.
· People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours in advance of the oncoming severe weather and again after the worst of the event has passed.
· People are advised to remove patio furniture, rubbish bins, trampolines and any loose items from around buildings, as these can be turned into missiles by the wind.
The public are again reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings. Information is available across social media platforms and other traditional media sources.
Cavan County Council crews will be mobilised from early morning to deal with any emergency situations as they develop. The council's out of hours emergency phone number is 087 611 8116.
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Tommy Ryan has urged members of the public to heed the warnings of Gardaí and Met Éireann and remain indoors where possible.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Paddy McDonald said it was particularly important to check on older or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they are adequately prepared for the storm.
10:45am
It's batten down the hatches in Cavan as the country prepares itself for what is anticipated to be the most significant weather event since 1961.
Met Eireann's RED weather warning in relation to Ex-Hurricane Ophelia suggests that the storm will be hitting Cavan early this afternoon.
Already the southern half of the country is being battered by the elements as Ophelia makes landfall.
Violent and destructive gusts are forecast with all areas at risk. Also heavy rain and storm surges pose a potential risk to lives.
An Garda Síochána have renewed their appeal to all motorists and members of the public to not make any non-essential journeys. There should be no cycling and drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists should also be aware of the extreme danger posed by gale force winds as they are particularly vulnerable.
People living in coastal areas are also being warned of the risk posed by flooding from storm surge and the Coast Guard is requesting members of the public to avoid any visits or walks to coastal or cliff areas and waterways.