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Severe weather warning issued as fallen trees block roads
A number of roads around the country are blocked by fallen branches or flooded due to stormy conditions overnight.
7.32am, 3 Jan 2012
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MET ÉIREANN has issued a weather warning over potentially damaging gusts of wind which could reach up to 140km per hour today.
The weather service says that storm conditions will be most severe in northern and north-western areas this morning, and warns of winds reaching up to storm force 11 on all Irish coasts today.
Heavy rain early today is expected to fade somewhat into showers later this morning.
Thousands of homes, most of which are in the west and north-west, are without electricity this morning due to the storms, according to Newstalk. The ESB says its emergency teams are working to restore power.
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AA Roadwatch is warning motorists to be wary of fallen branches and trees this morning on all roads, with trees blocking:
the Lexlip to Maynooth Road (the R418) at Intel
the Kilmeage Road and Prosperous junction in Co Kildare
the Ballinderry Road near St Coleman’s Hospital in Co Wicklow (about 5km outside Rathdrum)
the Abbeyleix to Carlow Road (the R430) in Co Laois about 2km west of Newtown Cross. Diversions are in place via Wolfhill at the Swan
the Ridge Road in Portlaoise at Larkin’s Cross
Rath Hill (the R147) in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath
Trees are also partially blocking traffic on: the N6 Athlone bypass at the top of the ramp of the J10 Ballymahon exit; the N63 Longford to Lanesborough Road; the N13 Letterkenny to Ballbofey Road near Kilross, Co Donegal; the Ratoath Road in Kilbride and the Tara Road in Dunsaney, Co Meath.
Meanwhile, the Carlow to Athy Road (the R417) is flooded in places, as are parts of the Borrisoleigh to Templemore Road (the R501) in Co Tipperary.
Conor Faughnan said this morning on RTÉ Radio One that drivers should exercise particular caution on the roads this morning and maintain safe stopping distances with the vehicle in front due to excess surface water on the roads and the windy conditions. Gardaí are advising motorists to drive with their lights on and allow extra time for their journeys today.
Anyone due to fly today is advised to check the status of their flight before leaving for the airport as there are may be some delays.
If you know of any blocked or flooded roads along your route, share the details with other drivers in the comments below.
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