Storm Isha sweeping over Mayo

Storm Isha reached its peak in Clew Bay last night with gusts of 150 kilometres per hour reported in the area. There were also a significant number of fallen trees and branches in several locations across the county with many incidents of flooding experienced in some coastal areas.

A tragic event occured in Lisduff on the N17 between Ballindine and Claremorris when a man in his 40s died in an one-vehicle crash there yesterday evening. The road remains closed today and any road travellers intending to drive via this busy route are being asked to consider alternative routes.

According to the ESB there have been 235,000 homes, farms and businesses left without power, with Mayo being among the worst impacted counties. Mayo County Council in Castlebar and the local library and courthouse in Swinford have had to remain closed to the public due to a power outage today.

Gardai are advising road users to be careful of fallen trees, debris and flooding on the roads, asking drivers to be extra vigilant and drive carefully. Mayo County Council is assessing the damage caused by Storm Isha at the moment and is urging the public to continue to exercise caution as they go about their business today. Met Eireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for Mayo and several other counties today saying it will be breezy and blustery with some very strong gusts in the west and northwest.

The stormy weather is also to continue into tomorrow with Met Eireann having issued a Status Orange Wind Warning for Storm Jocelyn coming into effect on Tuesday evening at 6pm until 12 midnight.