Ireland has issued Status Yellow weather alerts for 11 counties as the nation grapples with the aftermath of Storm Boelo, which left about 5,000 homes and businesses without power. The areas most affected by the power outages are in the northwest, according to ESB Networks. This figure marks a significant reduction from the 41,000 outages reported earlier in the day. Repair crews are working diligently to restore electricity, though some customers may remain without power overnight.
Dublin Airport faced disruptions with 30 flights canceled due to high winds and adverse conditions at other airports. Authorities caution that additional delays and cancellations could occur, urging travelers to stay informed about their flights.
The Status Yellow wind warning will affect counties including Carlow, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Mayo, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow, starting from 5 p.m. on Monday until 11:59 p.m. Residents in these areas should prepare for difficult travel conditions and the possibility of fallen trees or branches.
In addition to the wind warnings, rain alerts have been issued for Cork, Kerry, Galway, and Mayo. Meteorologists warn that heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in western and southwestern regions where the ground is already saturated and river levels are high.
Emergency management officials report ongoing recovery operations, particularly in the northwest. Donegal has seen numerous incidents of fallen trees, road debris, and damaged power lines, while Leitrim has also experienced fallen trees but has avoided major damage.
Though the incoming weather system does not meet the criteria for a named storm, meteorologists caution that additional rain and strong winds might exacerbate conditions in areas recently impacted by storms. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution, particularly while traveling, and to avoid any fallen or damaged electrical wires, reporting such hazards to ESB Networks.