Power outages and trees down as weather warning extended in four counties

Strong winds and torrential rain are hitting the south of the country as Met Éireann extended the duration of a weather warning.

A status-orange alert for heavy rain in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford has been extended to midnight.

Met Éireann continues to warn of the risk of flooding, dangerous driving conditions and travel disruption in those counties.

⚠️Status Yellow #Rain warning updated⚠️

Areas: Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford & Wicklow

Possible Impacts:

• Localised flooding🌊
• Difficult travelling conditions / travel delays🚗🚴
• Some fallen branches/trees🌿

Valid: 12:00 29/9 to 00:00 30/09https://t.co/lvQFgW8DsS pic.twitter.com/SMtIeea9vA

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 29, 2024

Power outages across the country are impacting about 3,000 premises, with ESB Networks working to restore power back to homes.

There have been several reports of fallen trees on roads across Co Cork, while a number of rivers have burst their banks in Co Waterford.

Videos posted on social media show the River Colligan and River Nire both at very high levels, with the former bursting its banks just before 7pm on Sunday evening.

The Colligan river Dungarvan Co Waterford has also burst its banks as video from Gary O’Shea shows. This is due to the huge level of rainfall on the Comeragh Mountains and surrounding areas as I had forecast this morning but we still lack a flood forecast system from Met Éireann. pic.twitter.com/oPxP9FOVYe

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) September 29, 2024

Cork County Council said crews had "inspected key high-risk areas" and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the night.

As a precautionary measure, sandbags were earlier deployed to key risk areas on a prioritised basis, a spokesperson for the council said.

In a statement, they advised members of the public to exercise caution.

"Driving conditions may be dangerous, with spot flooding and surface debris possible," the statement said.

"Trees are currently in full leaf which increases the risk of fallen branches etc. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain.

"Motorists are also asked to be conscious of cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users."