Wind speed of 130 kilometers per hour; Thousands of homes lost power; Flights are cancelled

Storm Ashley  hits Ireland Various obstacles in different fields across Ireland 

Strong and damaging winds are forecast for Ireland. Winds of up to 130 kmph have already been recorded in the western region.

The ESB PowerCheck website said thousands of homes across the country were without power as a result of the storm. 

Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare, Kerry, North Cork and North Dublin were among the areas worst affected by the power cuts,  according to a statement from ESB Networks . 

#StormAshley

The old Portmarnock Road (R124) is closed after a tree fell onto live cables.

We've requested @esbnetworks to the scene. pic.twitter.com/HVd5U2DzXB

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) October 20, 2024

Dublin Airport has announced that some airlines have canceled flights. 

“Weather conditions have led to some airlines canceling a small number of flights this morning. As always, passengers seeking updates on a specific flight should contact their airline directly," said a post on Airport X.

Some sporting events have been cancelled, including the Clare senior football final and the Mayo senior hurling final. 

Flooding has already been reported in Bantry and Cork, and  a status yellow wind warning is in place across the country until 3am tomorrow. 

Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford are also under a status yellow rain warning until 9am today, while north counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry are also under a yellow rain warning until midnight tonight. 

A status orange wind warning is in place for counties Clare, Kerry, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo for the west coast today from 10am to 8pm.

Met Eireann said heavy rain will continue eastwards this morning with a chance of sunshine in the east. But Ashley will later turn into a storm across the country for much of the day.