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Emergency services at the scene of a fallen tree near Blackrock in Cork Alamy Stock Photo
LIVE BLOG

Gusts of up to 117km/h recorded as Storm Agnes batters Ireland

Status Orange wind and rain warnings were in place for numerous counties across the country today.
9.58am, 27 Sep 2023
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STORM AGNES BATTERED Ireland today and saw spot flooding, fallen trees and traffic disruption in many places across the country.

A Status Orange wind warning was in effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford, but has since been lifted. 

Another Status Orange rain warning had been in place until 3pm for Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

A number of Status Yellow wind and rain warnings remain in place until midnight.

27 Sep 2023 5:27PM

That’s all from us on the liveblog for today. 

As we leave, here’s a recap on the current weather warnings:

  • A Status Orange wind warning is in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford until 7pm.
  • A Status Yellow warning for rain is in place for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford until midnight. 
  • A Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Leinster, Munster and Galway until midnight.
  • In the North, a Yellow wind warning is in place for the six counties until 7am tomorrow. 

Slán!

27 Sep 2023 5:25PM

Tented accommodation

As of yesterday, there were 749 people being accommodated in tents for asylum seekers in various sites around the country. 

In a statement this evening, the Department of Integration said it is “always cognisant of the safety and security of residents, and routinely monitors weather conditions that may affect those who are temporarily residing in tented structures”.

It said that key storm preparations and contingencies have been put in place to help cope with the potential impact of Storm Agnes.

“Officials have liaised with counterparts in the Office of Emergency Planning, the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Planning and the relevant Local Authorities in preparation for oncoming high winds and heavy rainfall. Official also remain alert to new information from Met Éireann as it issues,” the Department said. 

“The tented structures being used are designed to cope with severe weather, including high winds and heavy rain,” the Department added. 

It said that officials have “examined all structures to confirm that they are secure and lines and fixings remain in place” and that “teams on site will continually monitor fixings”.

“Should tents fail in very high winds, residents can be immediately relocated to other tented structures or permanent structures on site,” the Department said. 

“In addition, contingency buildings in the community have been identified to provide temporary congregated shelter should the need arise,” it said. 

Similar measures have been adopted for other tented sites – at Knockalisheen, Mullingar and Dundrum, according to the Department. 

27 Sep 2023 5:11PM

The Status Orange wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford has been extended by two hours. It will now remain in place until 7pm. 

27 Sep 2023 5:10PM

storm agnus 06 People out walking on Howth Pier in Dublin during Storm Agnes today Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

27 Sep 2023 4:32PM

In a statement, Irish Ferries said disruption to schedules may be experienced due to adverse weather conditions over the coming days, with passengers advised to check schedules.

27 Sep 2023 4:29PM

Met Éireann has said gusts of up to 117km/h were recorded at Sherkin Island today, while gusts of up to 106km/h were recorded at Roche’s Point and 94km/h at Valentia. 

27 Sep 2023 4:23PM

Tented accommodation

In a statement, the Department of Integration said that of 17 September, there are 351 international protection applicants accommodated in tented solutions across Knockalisheen, Columb Barracks and the former CMH in Dundrum.

The Department said officials are “always cognisant of the safety and security of residents, and routinely monitor weather conditions that may affect those who are temporarily residing in tented structures”.

“Key storm preparations and contingencies have been put in place to help cope with the potential impact of Storm Agnes,” the Department said.

“Officials have liaised with counterparts in the Office of Emergency Planning, the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Planning and the relevant Local Authorities in preparation for oncoming high winds and heavy rainfall. Officials also remain alert to new information from Met Éireann as it issues.”

The Department has not clarified to The Journal how many international protection applicants remained in tented accommodation during the storm today.

27 Sep 2023 4:09PM

In an update this afternoon, Dublin Airport has said it is open and operation today. 

However, it added that there are some delays due to adverse weather conditions. 

Airlines have cancelled 31 flights so far, including 17 departures and 14 arrivals. 

“Passengers travelling today are advised to check the status of specific flights directly with their airline and to allow sufficient time for their journey to the airport,” it said. 

27 Sep 2023 4:05PM

wednesday-sept-27-2023-bantry-west-cork-ireland-storm-agnes-hit-land-in-bantry-this-morning-drivers-are-warned-to-expect-delays-with-flooding-and-to-consider-vulnerable-road-users-drivers-in-ban Drivers in Bantry had to wait for workers to clear a fallen tree on the N71 Glengarriff Road in Ballylickey Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

27 Sep 2023 3:49PM

Gardaí are continuing to warn people to take extra caution while using the roads today. 

27 Sep 2023 3:40PM

Firefighters from Kilbarrack fire station in Dublin were called to assist after a tree fell down onto two cars this afternoon. 

Cables were also downed in the incident.

Dublin Fire Brigade has said the scene was made safe by firefighters. 

27 Sep 2023 3:33PM

Irish Rail services are currently suspended through Killester and Fairview until further notice due to a tree on the overhead lines. 

Irish Rail has said delays are expected to the Dart, Northern and Belfast services as a result. 

27 Sep 2023 2:44PM

More fallen trees being reported here by Waterford City and County Council: 

27 Sep 2023 2:30PM

Kerry County Council has said there are many reports of spot flooding and hazardous conditions across the county. 

27 Sep 2023 2:26PM

The scene in Youghal, Co Cork where a roof has been blown from a building. 

the-scene-in-youghal-co-cork-where-a-roof-has-been-blown-from-a-building-weather-warnings-will-come-into-force-as-the-uk-and-ireland-brace-for-the-arrival-of-storm-agnes-which-will-bring-damaging Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

the-scene-in-youghal-co-cork-where-a-roof-has-been-blown-from-a-building-weather-warnings-will-come-into-force-as-the-uk-and-ireland-brace-for-the-arrival-of-storm-agnes-which-will-bring-damaging Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

27 Sep 2023 2:22PM

Cherry’s Road in New Ross, Co Wexford is now closed due to a fallen tree. 

Wexford County Council said a crew is on site and diversions are in place. 

27 Sep 2023 2:20PM

Firefighers from Swords are at the scene of trees in danger of falling in Thornleigh off Jugback Lane in Dublin. 

Dublin Fire Brigade has said it has requested the assistance of Fingal County Council to the incident. 

27 Sep 2023 2:13PM

Looking at the latest from Cork, reporter Olivia Kelleher has provided some updates… 

Killumney village in Co Cork experienced spot flooding earlier this morning.

Other areas in the county impacted by flooding include the R579 between Muskerry Golf Club and Healy’s Bridge and on the Shournagh near Foxes Bridge between Blarney and Donoughmore.

There has been been flooding on Killeens Road, near Crossbarry village and on the N73 between Mallow and Mitchelstown.

Flooding has also occurred on the Spa Road in Mallow.

A farm gate blew off near the Barn Restaurant in Glanmire while there are reports of flooding at the junction to Mallow Hospital. Ardcahan Bridge near Dunmanway is also flooded.

In the city flooding has occurred on the Monaghan Road. Drivers are urged to exercise caution. Trees are down in the Pearse Road area of Ballyphehane and on the back Douglas Road before Maryborough Woods in the city.

27 Sep 2023 2:06PM

Thousands of homes and businesses continue to be impacted by power outages across the country this afternoon.

The ESB has said that customers in the south of the country are most affected so far. 

dasfasdfa https: / /powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ https: / /powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ / /powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/

27 Sep 2023 1:57PM

Kernanstown Recycling Centre in Co Carlow has closed for the rest of the day due to the weather conditions. 

27 Sep 2023 1:44PM

Stephen Murphy of Sky News reports from Newtown Cove in Co Waterford: 

27 Sep 2023 1:41PM

Stormy scenes around the Poolbeg Lighthouse in Dublin this afternoon. 

storm agnus (1) Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

27 Sep 2023 1:13PM

The R746 Carnew to Bunclody road is closed due to a fallen tree at Ballingate, according to Wicklow County Council.

27 Sep 2023 12:58PM

Emergency services at the scene of a fallen tree near Blackrock in Cork.

emergency-services-at-the-scene-of-a-fallen-tree-near-blackrock-in-cork-weather-warnings-will-come-into-force-as-the-uk-and-ireland-brace-for-the-arrival-of-storm-agnes-which-will-bring-damaging-win Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

emergency-services-at-the-scene-of-a-fallen-tree-near-blackrock-in-cork-weather-warnings-will-come-into-force-as-the-uk-and-ireland-brace-for-the-arrival-of-storm-agnes-which-will-bring-damaging-win Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

27 Sep 2023 12:38PM

Dublin Fire Brigade are at the scene of a collision at the northbound M11/M50 merge at Junction 4.

Temporary lane closures are currently in place.

27 Sep 2023 12:17PM

a-car-driving-through-floodwater-in-cork-weather-warnings-will-come-into-force-as-the-uk-and-ireland-brace-for-the-arrival-of-storm-agnes-which-will-bring-damaging-winds-and-big-stormy-seas-agnes A car driving through floodwater in Cork Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

27 Sep 2023 12:16PM

Bus Éireann services are being impacted in Cork due to the weather conditions. 

27 Sep 2023 12:08PM

Here’s a look at Storm Agnes as it progresses across Ireland and the UK: 

27 Sep 2023 12:01PM

The Irish Coast Guard’s team at Malin Head is currently coordinating a tow for a large sailing vessel off the west coast. 

Achill Island and Clifden RNLI lifeboats are assissting the vessel ashore. 

27 Sep 2023 11:59AM

Reports of a roof coming off a building at Youghal Strand, Cork. 

27 Sep 2023 11:59AM

RedFM News is reporting a fallen tree on Relief Road in Bandon, Cork. 

It says there is concern over flooding in Bantry at high tide at 4pm. 

27 Sep 2023 11:51AM

Moooooove with caution in Cork. 

27 Sep 2023 11:47AM

Kerry County Council has reported that trees and branches have been cleared on roads in Gneeveguilla, Templenoe and Lauragh. 

However, it said difficult driving conditions are being reported across the country and to “please travel with care”. 

27 Sep 2023 11:45AM

There appears to be a small bit of travel disruption at Cork Airport today, with an inbound flight from Lourdes which was due in at 8.30am being diverted to Dublin Airport. 

A number of other flights have been delayed and two flights to London and Amsterdam have been cancelled. 

27 Sep 2023 11:42AM

It looks like quite a grim day to be out walking in Cork city today. 

cork-ireland-27th-september-2023-dc-27-9-23-cork-city-centre-shoppers-and-commuters-face-storm-agnes-head-on-cork-ireland-as-storm-agnes-sweeps-into-ireland-shoppers-and-commuters-in-cork-ci Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

cork-ireland-27th-september-2023-dc-27-9-23-cork-city-centre-shoppers-and-commuters-face-storm-agnes-head-on-cork-ireland-as-storm-agnes-sweeps-into-ireland-shoppers-and-commuters-in-cork-ci Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

cork-ireland-27th-september-2023-dc-27-9-23-cork-city-centre-shoppers-and-commuters-face-storm-agnes-head-on-cork-ireland-as-storm-agnes-sweeps-into-ireland-shoppers-and-commuters-in-cork-ci Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

27 Sep 2023 11:36AM

There are reports of roads across Cork being flooded this morning. 

27 Sep 2023 11:23AM

Carlow County Council has confirmed Oak Park Forest Park will be closed to the public today. 

27 Sep 2023 11:17AM

Dublin Airport has said it is operating as normal today. 

However, passengers are being advised to check the status of their specific flights directly with their airline and to allow sufficient time for their journey to the airport. 

27 Sep 2023 11:08AM

Power outages

There are over 11,000 homes and businesses across the country without power this morning. 

Cork is the county most affected by the outages. 

Screenshot 2023-09-27 110752 https: / /powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ https: / /powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/ / /powercheck.esbnetworks.ie/

27 Sep 2023 10:43AM

27 Sep 2023 10:26AM

Homelessness services have warned their service-users of potentially dangerous weather conditions.

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has implemented its extreme weather protocol, increasing bed capacity by 50 beds.

Its outreach service will also be working directly with rough sleepers from 7am to 1am daily, as usual.

27 Sep 2023 10:23AM

In an update yesterday afternoon, Cork County Council said its severe weather assessment team had convened and had crews on standby in several known risk areas across the county. 

Crews were out clearing inlets and gullies. Sandbags and pumping arrangements were also put place in known problem areas. 

The council has asking the public to stand high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. 

Mallow Castle and playground will be closed today. 

27 Sep 2023 10:14AM

Do you have any loose furniture in your back garden today that could pose a flight risk? 

Dublin Fire Brigade is warning people that there’s still time to secure items in their gardens. 

27 Sep 2023 10:07AM

While some counties have not been issued any warnings today, the whole island will be impacted by bad weather, with a wet and windy day expected nationwide.

The centre of the storm will approach the southwest of the country this morning.

There is potential for coastal flooding, fallen trees and power outages in affected areas.

27 Sep 2023 10:04AM

The M8 in Tipperary has been closed on the northbound side between Twomileborris and Urlingford due to a collision.

27 Sep 2023 10:02AM

Drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are being encouraged to exercise care on the roads today. 

The RSA is asking drivers to heed the following advice:

  • Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. 
  • Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
  • If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route. Do not attempt to drive through it. 
  • Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.
  • After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
  • Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.
  • Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch out for falling / fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
  • Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
  • Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
  • Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

The RSA has the following advice for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists:

  • Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
  • Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike. Consider wearing high visibility material.
  • Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions, as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
  • Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material. 
27 Sep 2023 9:59AM

Hayley Halpin here to bring you the latest weather news for the next few hours as Storm Agnes hits Ireland. 

First, here’s a quick recap of the weather warnings currently in place across the island of Ireland. 

A Status Orange wind warning is in place for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford until 5pm. 

Another Status Orange rain warning is in place until 3pm for Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

There’s a Status Yellow warning for rain in counties Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford until midnight. 

A Status Yellow wind warning is in place for Leinster, Munster and Galway until midnight.

In the North, a Yellow wind warning is in place for the six counties until 7am tomorrow. 

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