Thousands left without power as Storm Hector sweeps the country

At least 35,000 homes are without power this morning as Storm Hector swept the country overnight. Forecasters have warned of severe and potentially damaging gusts of up to 125km/hr. It seems the power outages have been caused by fallen trees on overhead wires.

MET Éireann issued a status orange weather warning yesterday for counties Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. Meanwhile, a status yellow warning has been issued for Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Clare and Kerry. The weather warning will remain in place until 10 am.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland, ESB’s Head of Communications Bernadine Moloney said the power should be restored to everybody by this evening, if not sooner. ESB has also warned people to stay away from fallen or damaged electricity wires.

Drivers have been asked to be extra cautious on roads as fallen trees are blocking roads nationwide; particularly in the north-west and midlands. AA Roadwatch has been tweeting regular updates, with trees down in Donegal; Clare; Monaghan; Cavan and Louth.

#StormHector is trending on Twitter, with people from around the country sharing pictures of storm damage.

This is a sign from god that I shouldn’t go to work today. #StormHector #treedown #wanttostayinbed pic.twitter.com/dk9zmz9Nuj

— Aisling McGovern (@Aisling_1991) June 14, 2018

Oh no….#StormHector #dublin #clondalkin pic.twitter.com/HurLQUrSwK

— Maria (@Maria_Shannon) June 14, 2018

Storm Hector wreaking it’s evil havoc in Rathgar overnight. #StormHector pic.twitter.com/OpBk30mlYm

— Gavin Highlife (@FMRadioGavin) June 14, 2018

Tree down at the junction of Brookwood and the Howth Road in Raheny. @DubCityCouncil already working to clear it. Also, beware. Most wheelie bins have gone rogue and are trying to get into, onto or under your car. #StormHector pic.twitter.com/faYceYs3hf

— Dave Moore (@DaveTodayFM) June 14, 2018

If you’re experiencing a power cut, ensure you’re stocked up on the following:

– Torches (and spare batteries)
– Candles (LED if possible)
– Bottled water
– Charged mobile phone(s)
– Alternative methods of heat
– Blankets
– ESB phone number: 1850 372 999
– Visit powercheck.ie

Photo: Met Éireann