Clean-up begins after Storm Bert as thousands still left without power
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The clean-up is underway across Cork, Limerick, Kerry, Galway, and Donegal following flooding and power outages caused by Storm Bert's torrential rainfall. Travel disruptions, event cancellations, and damage assessments dominate the scene.
As of 5pm, power outages, initially affecting 60,000 homes and businesses, have been reduced to 11,000 as ESB crews work to restore service.
The majority of outages are concentrated in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway.
Met Éireann issued red weather alerts for Cork and Galway, warning of "severe flooding" and potential damage.
These warnings have since expired but have been replaced by status yellow wind warnings for 11 counties, including Cork, Kerry, Waterford, and Donegal.
The yellow wind alert remains active until 2am Sunday, with risks of fallen trees and hazardous travel conditions slowing clean-up efforts.
Emergency meetings are underway with government representatives, including Minister for Education Patrick O’Donovan. Funds for repairs to homes and sports amenities are being discussed.
Cork County Council has urged caution as localised flooding, road debris, and fallen trees persist. While Midleton and Bantry avoided widespread flooding, minor surface water issues and fallen trees were reported.
In Riverstick, bakery owner Rebecca Mullen’s Flour House flooded for the second time, following severe damage during Storm Babet in 2023.
Ms Mullen reported two inches of water entering her premises after the River Stick overflowed. Despite precautions such as raising equipment, the flood caused extensive clean-up needs.
Grants from the Red Cross helped her business survive previous damage, but the mounting costs of repairs, staff hours, and lost trade remain overwhelming.
Elsewhere in Cork, severe flooding has been reported:
- The R613 Carrigaline road near Ballea Bridge is impassable
- Mallow's River Blackwater has burst its banks, prompting lane closures and diversions
- Flooding has impacted Little Island, the R600 between Timoleague and Clonakilty, and several other major roads
- Ferry services between Cobh and Cork City have been suspended due to high winds
Cork City Council also cancelled the Corkmas Festive Market in Emmet Place for Saturday, with plans to resume on Sunday.
In Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, the River Feale burst its banks early Saturday morning, inundating areas around the town, including Fr Casey's GAA Club and the local mart.
While higher ground in Abbeyfeale town was spared, surrounding low-lying areas are severely submerged.
Councillor Liam Galvin said: "It's like something out of what you would see in Spain recently, when they were hit by flash floods.
"There has been a lot of damage, especially to the GAA grounds.
"Although we were able to save a few houses, a number have been flooded and the people evacuated."
Local vet Billy Riordan said: "The town is not so bad because it is actually on higher ground than the land around it.
"But the outlying areas have been very badly hit."
In Galway, a landslide on the R336 between Maam and Leenane rendered the road impassable. Flooding in Clifden and along the N59 outside Leenane has created dangerous conditions.
Galway County Council crews are monitoring rising river levels across the region while restoring electricity to affected homes in Inverin.
Flood-prone roads near Claregalway, Tuam, and Athenry remain hazardous.
In Kerry, the River Galey reached its highest recorded levels, threatening further flooding. In Cahersiveen, over 3,000 homes experienced power outages. Flooded roads and damage have hindered movement across the region.
Killybegs in Donegal also reported severe flooding. Social media captured Bridge Street resembling a river.
Gusts of 111 km/h were recorded at Malin Head, contributing to fallen trees and additional disruptions.
Thousands of homes in Donegal remain without power as ESB Networks works to restore service.
Nationwide, 34,000 homes, farms, and businesses remain without power.
The hardest-hit areas include Donegal, Galway, Cork, Kerry, and Sligo. In Galway, over 1,000 customers are affected in An Spidéal alone.
Rathmore in Kerry and Mallow in Cork also reported widespread outages.
ESB Networks has advised the public to avoid fallen wires and report damaged infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.
Further outages are anticipated as high winds continue through the weekend.
Bus Éireann cancelled several routes in Cork and Galway, with delays expected on remaining services.
Earlier, a Ryanair flight from Birmingham to Cork was diverted to Shannon Airport due to an "unstable approach".
Cork Airport, however, remains operational, with passengers advised to confirm flights directly with airlines.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.