Ireland

Strong winds and rain strike many parts of Ireland as Storm Atiyah makes its presence felt

Storm Atiyah led to trees being felled in Co Kildare. Picture by RTÉ
Storm Atiyah led to trees being felled in Co Kildare. Picture by RTÉ Storm Atiyah led to trees being felled in Co Kildare. Picture by RTÉ

STRONG winds and rain struck many parts of Ireland last night as Storm Atiyah made its presence felt.

As the first named storm of the season swept in from Iceland, forecasters warned of severe weather, particularly in Co Kerry.

Met Éireann had issued a status red wind warning for Kerry with gusts of over 130km/h forecast.

The storm was due to move eastwards through the night, with warnings of coastal flooding due to a combination of high seas and a storm surge.

Thousands of people were last night also without electricity in the Republic.

In Co Tyrone, a fallen tree last night led to the closure of the A29 Dungannon Road in Cookstown, while in Co Kildare trees were felled in Newbridge.

Many national parks were closed in the Republic yesterday and Dublin Zoo also cancelled its Wild Lights event last night.

The zoo said it made the decision in the interest of the health and safety of visitors, staff and the animals.

Orange wind warnings were also issued yesterday for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork and Limerick, which were due to remain in place until 6am this morning.