LAST UPDATE | 19 Aug 2023

THOUSANDS REMAIN WITHOUT electricity in some parts of the country in the aftermath of Storm Betty.

As at 11.30am, just under 50,000 electricity customers remain without power according to the ESB.

Crews have been “working since first light” to restore power as cleanup operations continue across the country. 

The faults are dotted around the south-east in the south-east along with north Dublin, Dundalk and Portlaoise.

At its peak, the storm’s force winds caused damage to the electricity network overnight affecting just over 70,000 homes, farms and businesses at the peak.

The ESB said that damage is mainly attributable to lightning and fallen trees on overhead lines.

“All available resources are being deployed to respond to all electricity outages where safe to do so,” the ESB said.

A spokesperson added: “ESB Networks crews have been working since first light and will work through this afternoon into this evening to restore power to as many customers as possible.

“A significant number of impacted customers will have their power restored by this evening.

“However, due to the scale of the damage to the electricity network, some customers in localised areas may remain without supply overnight.”

Conditions are expected to clear later today according to Met Éireann.

Blustery this afternoon with a mix of cloud and sunny spells along with scattered showers🌬️🌥️🌦️

Fresh and gusty southwest winds will be strong at times in coastal areas🌬️

Winds will ease in most parts this evening🍃

Highs of 18 to 22 degrees🌡️ pic.twitter.com/n7xPfBvN6H

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) August 19, 2023

Customers without power can check for real-time updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired here.

“It is important that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary,” the ESB said.

It advised that any members of the public who come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, they should never touch or approach these as they are “live and extremely dangerous”.

Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location.

Rescue

A yacht with two passengers on board was rescued by the RNLI in a dramatic incident overnight.

Castletownbere Lifeboat in Kerry battled gale force winds at 3.30am to go to the assistance of two sailors whose yacht got into difficulties on the northern shore of Kenmare Bay.

They eventually reached the sailors around 6am and are towing the yacht back to safety at present.

Trees down

Gardaí said there are reports of trees down on some roads and minor single-vehicle road crashes.

The ESB is working to restore power to affected counties, with Wexford among the worst hit having seen 12,000 customers without power earlier this morning.

Trees down in Dublin today after Storm Betty brought Yellow Warning winds last night. Sam Boal Sam Boal

Certain events are being cancelled today due to the weather, including the Big Grill festival in Ballsbridge in Dublin.

Organisers have postponed today’s afternoon gathering from 1 until 4pm but hope to be back in action for the evening gathering in Herbert Park.

Elsewhere, Tramore Races has cancelled today’s evening meeting which was due to be part of its August Racing Festival.

Matches were cancelled in Cork yesterday, with parts of the city and its towns hit by flooding.

#CorkFloods Flooding in Main Street, Carrigaline this evening. #StormBetty pic.twitter.com/tIadcRfdVJ

— Cork Safety Alerts (@CorkSafetyAlert) August 18, 2023

A Status Yellow rain and wind warning was issued for three counties in the north-west but has since lifted. 

Met Éireann forecasted that Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo faced potential spot flooding, difficult travelling conditions and wave overtopping on coasts.

In the north, police are appealling to road users to continue to exercise caution this morning, Saturday 19th August, in all areas of the country, as high winds and rain can make driving conditions difficult.