Caution urged after Storm Debi causes flooding damage across Ireland

FLOOD waters and power cuts returned across Ireland in force on Monday morning as Storm Debi brought the latest round of turbulent weather.

Starting in the early hours and moving northwards, Met Éireann had issued a Status Red Wind warning for Galway and Roscommon as well as areas like Dublin, Kildare and Laois - warning that extreme gusts posed a danger to life.

Galway awoke to serious flooding in areas including Salthill, with footage showing submerged cars while in Oranmore the flooding damage to homes saw the fire brigade carry one elderly person to safety.

An estimated 100,000 homes were also left without power on Monday morning, according to the Republic’s ESB Networks, while NIE estimated that around 3,000 customers were left without power – mainly in the Craigavon, Newry and Downpatrick areas.

Balcas get green light for “future-proofing” automated timber plant at Co Fermanagh base

Business couple at centre of PSNI data breach speak of fear over leak of personal details

The hazards for those working outside were felt in Co Limerick, where a postwoman was hospitalised after being struck by debris but thankfully escaped serious injury.

In Northern Ireland, Co Down and Armagh faced the worst of the storm as the Met Office issued an amber wind warning until noon and police warned that “flying debris” could cause injuries or even a threat to life, while a yellow rain and wind warning was in place across all areas until 2pm.

Read more

Storm Debi live updates : 100,000 homes without power as Storm Debi causes outages across Northern Ireland and Ireland

Several Dark Hedges trees made famous by Game Of Thrones to be cut down

Powercuts hit 100,000 homes as Storm Debi sweeps across Ireland

Not long after Downpatrick suffered terrible flooding in the town centre, the road towards Killyleagh was closed at the Quoile Bridge after a crack appeared between the bridge wall and road surface. It is feared the pressure from the recent flooding has caused the damage, and South Down Alliance MLA Patrick Brown warned the bridge may remain closed to motorists "for the foreseeable future".

In Newcastle, the A2 road towards Kilkeel was closed to repair road subsidence caused by the heavy rain.

By 2pm, police announced that flooding had closed the Portaferry Road between Newtownards and Portaferry.

In Co Antrim, the Coast Road between Ballygally and Glenarm was closed for the second time in weeks following a landslide.

In Coalisland, the SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn posted images of flooding in the Kings Road and Derry Road areas – stating he had never seen worse conditions.

“Seen a mother have to wade through water to her knees with a small child above her head to get them on a bus,” he posted online.

“How many times do we have to tell (Department of Infrastructure) to sort this before they listen?”

Fallen trees caused disruption in many areas including the Crieve Road in Newry, while Translink needed the help of chainsaw crews to clear a tree from a railway line on the Bangor line near Cultra.

The Department for Infrastructure also announced on Monday that “essential tree safety works” would begin at the famous Dark Hedges in Armoy, after it emerged that 11 out of the 86 trees posed a potential risk to the public.

Aiming to preserve the tourist attraction as much as possible, the Department added it would engage with landowners to protect the remaining 75 trees.

With Storm Debi moving into the Irish Sea by mid-afternoon, there were continued warnings to remain cautious.

Director General Keith Leonard is the director of the Republic’s National Directorate for Emergency and Fire Management (NDFEM).

“Although the storm has passed, there are still hazards out there – particularly fallen trees or branches and fallen wires. All road users should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. I would remind people that it is critical that they never ever touch or approach fallen wires. Be sure to stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damaged electricity wires.”

Those planning journeys were also advised to monitor the latest local and national news, including social media.