Flooding chaos as Storm Eleanor batters country
Winds of 150kmh recorded 55,000 homes without power More than 30 flights delayed
FLASH flooding and high winds caused havoc as Storm Eleanor slammed into the country last night.
Two people were treated for head injuries after a tree fell on their car while they were driving in Virginia, Co Cavan.
The incident happened shortly after 7.30pm as Storm Eleanor carved a swathe of destruction from west to east.
According to the Dublin Fire Brigade, which received the call, the pair were trapped inside the car and paramedics from the HSE’s National Ambulance Service had to cut them free before they were taken to Cavan General Hospital.
The call was one of almost 1,200 the DFB received in the 48-hour period from New Year’s Day in which it logged hundreds of calls for ambulances and storm-related calls due to downed trees and other hazards.
“It was mayhem,” a DFB official said. “We were busier than during Hurricane Ophelia.”
Galway city and county were hit with serious flooding, and Met Éireann reported winds with speeds of 150kmh at Knock Airport in Co Mayo.
At least 55,000 households were without electricity, mainly in Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Cavan and Monaghan. The ESB said fallen trees on overhead lines were responsible for most of the damage to the network.
Met Éireann’s Evelyn Cusack said Storm Eleanor was a small “but very powerful” storm and there would continue to be a high risk of flooding from Co Kerry to Co Donegal. Motorists were urged to watch out for fallen trees and debris while ferry crossings were also hampered by the storm.
■ In Galway, a number of people had to be rescued from flood waters in the city centre. Cars were swept away by flash floods at 6pm in Oranmore. People were helped from their cars as waters suddenly rose
over the road. Cars were also submerged in the nearby train station and in Toft carpark in Salthill. The Spanish Arch, Dock Road, Dominick Street, Merchant’s Road, Fr Griffin Road and Lough Atalia Road were all seriously affected. Galway City Council dispatched clean-up crews as soon as flood waters receded but it was providing sandbags to the public in anticipation of a high tide this morning.
In Cork, flooding was reported in Bantry from early evening. Fire crews pumped water from the streets and drivers were warned to be careful. In Midleton, there was also flash flooding on the Bailick Road.
In Clare, the storm battered the coastline of Lahinch and the N67 experienced flooding on the Kilkee/Killimer Road at Moyasta and Kilrush.
Limerick Council crews were dealing with flooding at Merchant’s Quay near the Potato Market, Sarsfield House and O’Callaghan and Clancy Strands.
In Kerry, the N86 Tralee/ Dingle Road was impassable at Blennerville due to flooding.
Mayo County Council announced a Level 2 alert for wind and coastal flooding from 10pm last night until
2pm today.
In Dublin, Lansdowne Road was closed off to traffic after Dublin Fire Brigade reported that a crane was “swinging violently” in the high winds.
Members of the public were asked to exercise caution and to be mindful of fallen trees, branches and possible flying debris, particularly when driving.
The Irish Coast Guard also issued a warning urging people to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs, piers and promenades during storm conditions.
ESB crews remained on stand-by overnight to restore power to those affected.
The storm caused delays to more than 30 flights at Dublin Airport last night. Most of the delays were to flights due to arrive after 8pm from the UK and Europe. Stena Line reported disruptions on a number of crossings, and Irish Ferries also reported “significant delays”, warning that these would remain until later today.
Met Éireann forecaster Deirdre Lowe said the strongest winds were over the south and the midlands but the flooding occurred where the winds weren’t strongest, over north Connacht and Ulster. Ms Lowe warned there were more strong winds on the way.