Live: Flights disrupted and train line closed in Cork due to Storm Isha
ESB crews working on broken power lines on the Ballinlough Road, Cork as Storm Isha hits the south of the country. Picture Dan Linehan
LATEST
TRAIN services between Cork and Cobh have been suspended due to a fallen tree on the line.
Two flight have been cancelled at Cork Airport - one inbound, one outbound and five inbound flights have been diverted.
Update:
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) January 21, 2024
Services between Cork and Cobh remain suspended due to a tree on the line. #StormIsha
Cork to Midleton services are operating. -CL https://t.co/d526FokdN0
Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest up-to-date information.
EARLIER
THERE are a number of power outages across the county as Storm Isha makes its way across Cork.
More than 1700 homes in Ringaskiddy have no power as ESB crews work to restore a fault. A fault has also been reported in Killacloyne, near Carrigtowhill. Some 1239 customers are affected.
A fault in Midleton has led to 173 homes being without power until an estimated time of 6pm this evening.
In Macroom, 22 homes are currently without power, while in the Bishopstown area of Cork city with 80 homes are affected. Both are expected back by 6pm.
Despite the conditions, only one flight has been cancelled at Cork Airport. The 5.20pm arrival from Bristol was cancelled meaning the turnaround departure was also cancelled.
However, airport management have advised:
"With difficult travelling conditions likely, passengers are advised to allow sufficient time for their journey to the airport and to exercise caution."
Met Éireann have issued a Status Orange wind warning for Cork, which is valid between 1700 today - 0200 (Monday).
— Cork Airport (@CorkAirport) January 21, 2024
With difficult travelling conditions likely, passengers are advised to allow sufficient time for their journey to the airport and to exercise caution.#StormIsha pic.twitter.com/xMbv3gVHjk
Spot flooding and fallen trees have been reported in a number of areas of Cork.
EARLIER
MEMBERS of the public are being advised to drive with caution, stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes as strong winds caused by Storm Isha sweep across Cork today.
Power outages are also expected as Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning that will come into effect at 5pm today and will remain in effect until 2am on Monday.
A Status Yellow wind warning is in place from 11am on Sunday until 4am on Monday.
Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team also met on Saturday afternoon.
Director of Operations David Joyce advised the public and business community to secure any outdoor furniture or equipment in gardens or on sites in advance of Sunday's alerts.
“In addition to the wind, there will be heavy rain tomorrow and we are asking road users to slow down, to travel with care and to allow more time for journeys. Motorists are also asked to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists also using the roads," he said.
“People travelling on Monday morning are also reminded to be alert to possible debris and spot flooding."
Cork City Council is not expecting any tidal flooding.
Storm Isha will track to the northwest of Ireland today and tonight, bringing very strong winds and some heavy rain.
Cork County Council has said that strong southwest winds with severe and damaging gusts are forecasted together with large coastal waves and wave overtopping, very difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and possible damage to power lines.
A high tide advisory has also been issued and high waves, heavy rain and storm surge may lead to wave overtopping and the possibility of coastal flooding.
Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened on Saturday in response to the weather warnings and to review preparations.
Council response crews and contractors are on standby and members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. People are urged to refrain from visiting mountainous areas.
Cork County Council has advised road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds with some spot flooding possible in any bursts of heavy rain.
⚠️ In addition to two wind warnings, there will be heavy rain tomorrow.
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) January 20, 2024
Cork City Council is asking road users to slow down, to travel with care & to allow more time for journeys.
Motorists are also asked to be aware of possible pedestrians & cyclists. 🚗🚴♀️🚶♂️⚠️ #StormIsha pic.twitter.com/6ZSQ3H4TtB
Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to the relevant local area office during working hours or contact the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048 from 5pm to 9am.
Contact details for the Council’s Area Offices are available at www.corkcoco.ie or by contacting Cork County Council Headquarters on (021) 4276891.
Cork County Council has also advised that high winds may give rise to localised power outages and has asked those affected to contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.
In the event of a disruption to water supply, people are asked to contact Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.
In the event of an emergency people should call 999 or 112 and request the fire service, ambulance service, gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate.
Cork County Council is urging people to pay particular attention to: tying down loose items outside that cannot be brought in; having a torch, spare batteries and a battery radio ready; staying indoors and keeping pets in; clearing window sills and closing curtains to protect against flying glass; contacting relevant services if gas, electricity or water supplies are cut off; and connecting with family and neighbours especially people living alone.
Cork County Council said its Severe Weather Assessment will continue to monitor this situation.
Weather updates are available at www.met.ie and Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on this site and across the Council’s social media channels (@Corkcoco).
Meanwhile, a Status Red wind warning has been issued for counties Donegal, Galway and Mayo as authorities warn people to take care ahead of Storm Isha’s arrival.
Met Eireann said “extremely strong” winds and “destructive gusts” are expected in the three counties on Sunday, particularly in coastal and exposed areas.
The red warnings are in place from 5pm to 9pm on Sunday in Galway and Mayo, and from 9pm on Sunday until 1am on Monday in Donegal.
There is a risk of dangerous coastal conditions, treacherous travelling conditions, and of significant and widespread power outages in these counties.
A Status Orange wind warning is in place across the country from 4pm or 5pm on Sunday until 2am or 3am on Monday.
Large coastal waves, very difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and damage to power lines are expected during these periods.
Hundreds of power outages have already been reported in Bishopstown and Milltown in Co Cork and in south Co Tipperary, according to the ESB’s Powercheck site.
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