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LIVE BLOG: Storm Eunice makes landfall but Bantry centre escapes flooding

February 17th, 2022 3:05 PM

By Southern Star Team

LIVE BLOG: Storm Eunice makes landfall but Bantry centre escapes flooding Image
Flooding on the N71 just outside Bantry this morning. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

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UPDATE 13.00

There are about 800 customers without power in West Cork across 75 separate fault locations.

At its height, over 21,000 customers in West Cork lost power as a result of Storm Eunice.

Current outages include pockets in townlands around Bandon, Ballydehob, Timoleague, Catletownbere and Macroom.

Precise areas and real time updates are available on www.PowerCheck.ie.

A spokesperson for ESB Networks confirmed it has drafted in significant extra resources from outside areas- despite poor weather hampering repairs,.

'We expect to get all those customers impacted by Storm Eunice back over the course of today,' he added.

He also pointed out that some outages on PowerCheck occurred as a result of today's high winds and ESB Networks is also working on clearing those faults.

'We thank those impacted  customers in West Cork for their forbearance and apologise for the inconvenience caused,' he said.

UPDATE 12.12

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for Cork.

A spokesperson said, ‘Storm Franklin will cause very strong winds with severe and damaging gusts.

‘These winds combined with very high seas will lead to wave overtopping along Atlantic coasts, which may result in coastal flooding.’

The wind warning is valid from 9am today until 9am tomorrow morning.

The storm conditions is expected to delay some power restoration works still to be done in parts of West Cork.

Met Eireann warned that heavy spells of rain, coupled with already saturated soils, may lead to localised flooding.

 

UPDATE 13.37

Some customers in West Cork and South Kerry will be without power again tonight.

A spokesperson for the ESB apologised for ‘the particular difficulty this causes.’

ESB Networks crews have been working since first light to restore power to all homes, farms and businesses in the wake of Storm Eunice.

As at 1.15pm, 73,000 customers have had their power restored since the onset of the storm yesterday, with 7,000 customers remaining without supply.

Crews worked late into the night yesterday doing everything they could to restore power to all remaining customers.

ESB Networks also moved crews from less impacted areas of the country yesterday to assist colleagues in the most severely impacted areas to reconnect customers as fast as they safely can.

‘It is very important,’ the spokesperson added, ‘that any impacted customers who use electrically powered medical devices contact their healthcare professional to make alternative arrangements if necessary.’

The ESB apologised for ‘the disruption to family and commercial life these interruptions in electricity supply have caused.’

An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous.

Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location. You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.

Customers without power can check for real-time updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at www.powercheck.ie.

 

UPDATE 8.25

ESB Networks said its crews worked late into the evening and restored supply to a further 16,000 customers, predominately in the area of West Cork, South Kerry and Enniscorthy.

'Unfortunately, due to the severity of the damage to the electricity network 12,000 had no power last night,' the spokesperson confirmed.

'Crews have been out since first light this morning (Saturday 19 February) and will work throughout the day to restore power to these remaining customers,' she added. 'We apologise for the disruption to family and commercial life these interruptions in electricity supply have caused.'

An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999. Customers should have their MPRN available to access recorded information specific to their location. You can also check @ESBNetworks on Twitter for updates.

 

Powercheck.

 

 

UPDATE 17:42

The powercheck.ie map shows there has hardly been an area of West Cork that wasn't affected by power outages after last night's storm. These symbols each identify 'cluster' where several customers are impacted within each cluster. To get more specific details on each area, simply open www.powercheck.ie and click on the relevant cluster.

This afternoon the ESB said: 'ESB Networks crews have been working since early morning to restore power to homes, farms and businesses in the wake of Storm Eunice, with 44,000 customers remaining without supply.

'While poor weather conditions continue to hamper repair works in some areas with a yellow wind and rain warning in place nationwide until 6pm, ESB Networks will continue to work into the night doing everything it can to restore power to as many remaining customers as possible.

'Due to the severity of the damage to the electricity network in the Southwest region, some customers in South Kerry and West Cork will be without power overnight.'

Customers without power can check for real-time updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at www.powercheck.ie.

Source: powercheck.ie

UPDATE 15:49

Workmen clearing a fallen tree on a bend close to Courtmacsherry, the road to Barryroe was closed for several hours. (Photo: Martin Walsh)

UPDATE 14:08

The former boatyard on Baltimore Pier took a battering overnight and is now hanging in there with the aid of ropes. (Photo: Garry Minihane)

UPDATE 13:02

The ESB has confirmed thousands are now without power as the powercheck.ie map shows the extent of outages across West Cork:

Source: powercheck.ie

UPDATE 12:09

Massive showers of hail now hitting Skibbereen and Bantry area

UPDATE 12:04

Cork County Council has just issued a list of the trees down in the county, including West Cork, in their updated statement on Storm Eunice's impact:

'Cork County is currently under a Met Éireann a Status Yellow wind and rain warning in effect until 6.00 pm today together with a current snow and ice yellow warning in place until 10am tomorrow Saturday 19/02/2022.

The Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Crisis Management Team convened this morning as updates are received in relation to incidents across the county

Cork County Council crews have begun clean up operations following a number of reports of fallen trees and power lines.

Reports to date include (this is being updated constantly)

  • Tree down the Long bridge at Dunmanway
  • Tree down Across the road  R600 Belgooly to Riverstick
  • Tree down near hospital in Bantry
  • Fallen tree a mile from Rathduff on the main road to Grenagh
  • Faller tree near the Coolmain Curios antique shop.
  • Tree blocking the main entrance to Macroom on the Cork/Killarney road.
  • Branch blocking half the road by O'Callaghan Garage on Freemount Road in Kanturk
  • Tree down Carrigaline road coming out of Crosshaven.
  • Tree down by Scottsman Road Monkstown
  • Tree obstructing road access on school road Whitechurch going towards Old Mallow Road,
  • High Court Road Macroom tree is down
  • Tree down Ballydavid Road
  • Tree down at Long bridge at Dunmanway -
  • Tree down outside  Millwheel from halfway to Kinsale
  • tree across the road  R600 Belgooly to Riverstick
  • tree on the road Clashmore Kinsale
  • Tree down  passed new school Ballrea road at crossroads turn left 200m
  • Tree down near hospital in Bantry
  • Fallen tree a mile from Rathduff on the main road to Grenagh
  • Tree down on the Grenagh Turn off on the N20
  • Faller tree near the Coolmain Curios antique shop.
  • Intownland Granreigh- Kilbrittan outside a Coolmain  Curios
  • Tree blocking the main entrance to Macroom on the Cork/Killarney road.
  • Tree blocking the road 3 miles before Ballyvourney on the N22
  • Tree down at the fork in the road outside the given address.
  • Branch blocking half the road by O'Callaghan Garage on Freemount Road in Kanturk
  • Tree down on the Carrigaline road coming out of Crosshaven.
  • Tree down hanging on the electrical wires - Bog road heading toward the Quality Hotel - the road that you coming off the N25.
  • Tree down by Scottsman Road Monkstown
  • Trees down and ESB poles down all the way out of Kilbrittan by the Pink Elephant and by the Bandon road to Kilbrittan ESB pole down with wires, By Kilbrittan to West Cork Secret tree down and also from West Cork Secret left to Timoleague impossible
  • tree down Scart Ballinhassig
  • Tree down in Rathgoggin Middle Cooleens
  • tree blocking the road Dunmanway road just beyond Toons Bridge
  • Tree down - The road is completely blocked on the Kilmichael side of Toons bridge
  • Tree down just Lidl heading towards Crosshaven 200 yards beyond this there are two smaller ones
  • Fallen tree Spaglenn mallow on the N72 coming from Fermoy
  • Tree down blocking the road at Innishvilla AFC, Inishannon, Co. Cork
  • Tree down outside Mallow Recycling Centre
  • Tree down by  St Joseph's School in Cobh
  • Fallen tree across from the Clonakilty Rugby club on the N71
  • Tree down blocking road Between The Mons bar and Ballingeary
  • Tree down between Banteer & Nad and tower to rock chapel
  • Fallen tree on the road from cork to grenagh just on the turnoff to mallow
  • Tree down on the Peak to Aghabullogue road.
  • Main Carrigaline to Crosshaven Road tree blocking all the road no way around it
  • A big tree is blocking the entrance to Dunmanway Hospital
  • Ovens 2 trees down on Chapel Road  by Desmond bar
  • 3 trees down between Renaree and Ballingeary
  • Tree down in coming out of Innishannon on the road to Eli Lilly
  • Cobh tree down heading out toward IFI
  • Tree branch has fallen on a corner and is very dangerous in Ballynoehill
  • Tree down by Top of the Hill Cobh by St Joseph  National School
  • Tree down beside company Gold Crop Carrigtwohill  T45 f685
  • Tree down outside the ESB plant in white gate village
  • 2 x trees down on the road from Clonakilty to Baxters Bridge.
  • 2 x Trees are down between on the road from Brinny and the railway bar.
  • 2 trees down on the road
  • Monarone  tree down
  • Tree down  at Midleton Whitegate across from the ESB Station
  • Fallen tree in Passage West by the GAA club and Avondale Court Estate on the back road
  • 3 trees down on the Raleigh road and trees down on the Raleigh Bridge Linamilla  road blocked Wood road in Raleigh  and the road heading to Toonsbridge
  • Tree down the wood road between Timoloeague and Incha Bridge the road is blocked
  • 4 large trees down outside Whitegate Oil Refinery
  • 3 x Trees down on the road from Crookstown to Beal Na Blath
  • Tree down blocking road Between The Mons bar and Ballingeary
  • Tree down between Banteer & Nad and tower to rock chapel
  • Fallen tree on the road from Cork to Grenagh just on the turnoff to Mallow
  • Tree down on the Peak to Aghabullogue road.

Power outages have been reported across the county.  Council Offices including the Civic Amenity Sites are scheduled to reopen at 12.30 today, subject to local restrictions.  A number of the Civic Amenity Sites have experienced power loss and may not be able to accept credit card payments.  Patrons are advised to check local arrangements in advance of any visit.

Cork County Council continues to advise road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. Driving conditions may be hazardous with surface flooding possible.  Motorists are advised to drive with caution during heavy rain, not to drive through floodwaters and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported by calling 021 4276891 between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.  The Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number 021 4800048.

The strong winds may give rise to localised power outages. In the event of a disruption to the power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Fallen or grounded wires should be avoided and the public is advised to call ESB in assisting with the identification of fallen wires.

In the event of a disruption to water supply, please contact Irish Water at 1800 278 278.

In the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate. DO NOT assume others will do this.

Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor this situation.

Weather updates are available at www.met.ie and further information on how to Be Winter Ready can be found by visiting www.corkcoco.ie.  Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on www.corkcoco.ie and across the Council’s social media channels @Corkcoco.'

UPDATE 11:58

While Bantry town centre has escaped serious flooding, the N71 approach road didn't completely escape as this photo by Andy Gibson shows:

Cars negotiating flood waters on the N71 just outside Bantry this morning. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

 

UPDATE 11:53

Widespread power outages now across West Cork - source powercheck.ie

UPDATE 11:43

UPDATE 11:40

A selection of some of the trees down around the region today - including in Ballydehob; a garden of a house in Dunmanway, and Poundlick, Skibbereen.

 

 

UPDATE 11:30

Bus Éireann has just issued a statement about its services today:

'We wish to advise our customers that Bus Éireann services in Co Cork have returned to their normal scheduled times as of 10am this morning. Limited further cancellations are in place throughout the day, more information can be found at www.buseireann.ie We would like to thank our passengers for their patience during Storm Eunice. Further updates will be available on our website and social media channels.'

UPDATE 10:19

Powecheck.ie showing more disruption to customers and outages in recent hours but we are also getting reports of outages in Baltimore and Glandore now so it may be some time before they are registered on the map. Figures represent clusters of outages, not individual customers. Click on powercheck.ie map to get more information on each cluster.

Source: powercheck.ie

UPDATE 9:17

TREE DOWN: Castletownshend to Tragumna Coast Road

(Photo: Andrew Harris)

UPDATE 8:38

As the red weather warning reduces to an orange warning post-8am, the Fastnet Lighthouse reflects the reducing strength of Storm Eunice, with gusts reduced to 69kts, from a high of 93kts earlier this morning.

UPDATE 8:11

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL has issued the following update this morning: Cork County is currently under a Met Éireann Status Red – Wind Warning for Cork which is valid until 8.00am, a Status Orange Wind Warning until 11.00am with a Status Yellow Wind and Rain warning in effect until 6.00pm today, and also a current snow and ice yellow warning in place until 10.00am tomorrow Saturday 19/02/2022.

Cork County Council crews have been on standby throughout the night with sandbags deployed and pumps in operation across known flood risk areas.

The Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Crisis Management Team will convene later this morning as updates are received in relation to any incidents across the county.

High tide passed in Bantry without flooding. Pumps were activated for approximately 15 minutes and this was sufficient to lower the level until water levels peaked before 6.00am.

The N71 in the Main Square in Bantry will be closed until 08.30am (this could change depending on local conditions)

M8 is closed between junction 14 & 15 due to high winds. It is due to reopen at 09.00 but this could change.

Flood Barriers have been erected in Fermoy as a precaution with demountable barriers erected at Brian Boru Square Slipway, Thomas Street and at the Sub Aqua Club on the Rathealy Road.  These barriers are all located offline with minimal impact on road users.

On the river Blackwater Longfields Bridge (R621) and the bridge in Killavullen are both closed.

Cork County Council continues to advise road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. Driving conditions may be hazardous with surface flooding possible.  Motorists are advised to drive with caution during heavy rain, not to drive through flood waters and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.

Cork County Council’s Offices including Civic Amenity Sites, will be closed 12.30pm today, however services will continue to be delivered from staff operating remotely and a variety of services are available online at www.yourcouncil.ie

Dursey Cable Car is currently closed will not reopen until a post storm inspection has been completed. Local wind speeds will determine when this inspection can be done.

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported by calling 021 4276891 between 9am and 5pm or via the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number 021 4800048.

The strong winds may give rise to localised power outages. In the event of a disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Fallen or grounded wires should be avoided and the public are advised to call ESB in assisting with the identification of fallen wires.

In the event of a disruption to water supply, please contact Irish Water at 1800 278 278.

In the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate. DO NOT assume others will do this.

Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor this situation.

Weather updates are available at www.met.ie and further information on how to Be Winter Ready can be found by visiting www.corkcoco.ie.  Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on www.corkcoco.ie and across the Council’s social media channels @Corkcoco.

UPDATE 8:09

Our editor gives an update from Skibbereen:

UPDATE 07:15

Power outages affecting over 1200 customers in Glengarriff and Bantry:

 

 

 

 

UPDATE 7:03

BANTRY: High tide has passed without flooding, says Cork County Council:

UPDATE 7:00

Wind map shows Eunice right over West Cork at 7am this morning:

Wind map from earth.nullschool.net at 7am showing the strongest part of Eunice (red) right over West Cork.

UPDATE 6:53

Eunice is now raging through West Cork a little later than expected, with gusts of 80kts at the Fastnet:

UPDATE 03:36

Eerily quiet as West Cork and much of the country caught in the crooked eye of the storm but the wind is whipping up slightly now again.

(Wind map source: earth.nullschool.net)

UPDATE 23:58

And the navy are standing by:

UPDATE 23:56

For anyone heading up the M8 tomorrow:

UPDATE 23:53

Local photographer Karlis Dzjamko is keeping an eye on events in the Square in Bantry tonight:

UPDATE 23:49

Wind speed at the Fastnet Lighthouse is up to 53kts from 33kts earlier this evening:

Avg Wind:53kts, Gust:57kts, Wind Dir:272 °(W), Gust Dir:271 °(W) at 17/02/2022 23:38:00

UPDATE 21:24

A staff member of the Vodafone shop in Bantry making sure the storm door is closed before Storm Eunice combines with high tides as the town braces itself for possible flooding later tonight:

Getting ready for Storm Eunice at the Vodafone shop in Bantry. (Photo: Andy Gibson)

 

UPDATE 21:13

Bantry Credit Union opening a bit later tomorrow too, as is local Table Top cafe:

 

UPDATE 21:11

Vessels are starting to head for shelter tonight in Castletownbere and Bantry harbour. Map source: Marinetraffic.com

Source: Marinetraffic.com

UPDATE 21:05

The Bank of Ireland says its branches in Cork and other counties covered by the red weather warning will not open until 11am tomorrow.

UPDATE 19:50

SuperValu in Clonakilty is taking no chances in the early morning:

 

UPDATE 18:14

Glengarriff Nature Reserve will be closed tomorrow, which is one of a number of parks being closed nationwide.The Department asks the public for their ongoing cooperation by refraining from visiting for the duration of the storm. 'We expect to reopen most of our Parks on Saturday 19th, however, the Department will carry out site inspections on Friday 18th to assess any damage prior to final decisions on reopening. We ask all members of the public when accessing  sites after Storm Eunice has passed to exercise caution and be aware that hazards such as fallen trees, hanging branches, damaged trails, flooded areas and other storm damage may be present.'

UPDATED 18:05

More counties have now been added to the list for red alerts, and the government has said any schools and colleges in these areas will remain closed tomorrow. The Port of Cork showed the tough conditions its pilot worked under Storm Dudley last night - which was not as strong as Eunice is expected to be.

 

UPDATED 17:05

Businesses in Bantry have begun preparing for the approach of Storm Eunice overnight which, combined with high tides, could lead to possible flooding in the town.

Buisness owner Steven O'Donovan placing flood barriers at his premises. (Photo: Karlis Dzjamko/Alamy Live News)

 

UPDATED 17:00

The interactive wind website nullschool  shows the storm approaching Ireland from the southwest:

(Source: https://earth.nullschool.net/)

 

UPDATED 16:46

Statement from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on Severe Weather:

A Virtual National Emergency Coordination meeting was held today with Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Met Éireann, the OPW, the local authorities, the Principal Response Agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations in attendance in advance of Storm Eunice, due on 18th February 2022. A further meeting is scheduled for tomorrow the 18th February at 11.00.      

Status Red - Storm warning for Cork and Kerry

Storm Eunice will track quickly over Ireland tonight and Friday morning bringing severe and damaging winds. Southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h with gusts in excess of 130 km/h. Some coastal flooding, especially at high tide.

Valid: 03:00 Friday 18/02/2022 to 08:00 Friday 18/02/2022

UPDATED 16:00

Bus Éireann issued a statement regarding its services in Cork tomorrow.

It said: 'We wish to advise our customers that as a result of the Status Red weather warning issued by Met Éireann and in the interests of the safety of our employees and customers, all Bus Éireann services in County Cork will be suspended on Friday morning, 18 February, between 01:00 (am) until 10:00 (am).

'This suspension will also apply to all routes operating into or out of the status red warning area.

'Due to the extreme nature of Storm Eunice and the threat of multi-hazard weather events as confirmed by Met Éireann, the Department of Education is advising that schools in counties where Status Red wind warnings are in place and in counties where Status Orange snow warnings are in place should not open tomorrow, 18 February. Therefore school transport services will not operate in County Cork tomorrow, Friday 18 February.

'This decision is taken in the interests of our customers and employees, following careful consideration of the advice of agencies coordinating a response to Storm Eunice.

'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will endeavour to recommence services earlier should the red weather warning be lifted earlier than expected. We will be advising customers of any further updates on www.buseireann.ie and on our social media channels and local and regional media will receive any updates.'

 

All of the Union Hall fishing fleet was moored up this morning, sheltering from the approaching Storm Eunice. (Photo: Andrew Harris)

UPDATED 15:57

MET Éireann has just issued a RED wind warning for Storm Eunice, for counties Cork and Kerry from tonight.

Speaking on radio this morning, Gerry Murphy said the warning means a danger to life in those counties and the warning will cover the south-western counties from 03:00 and last until 08:00.

Gusts of up to 130 km/h are expected along with some coastal flooding, fallen trees and dangerous driving conditions.

UPDATED 15:35

IN a statement issued this afternoon, the HSE in Cork and Kerry has warned the public that there may be disruption to some services, including ambulances services, due to the impact of Storm Eunice.

And they added that they will understand that the public may also have difficulty getting to appointments on time.

‘There may be some disruption to HSE services across Cork and Kerry tomorrow due to the impact of Storm Eunice,’ the statement said.

It added: ‘Although the red weather warning for the area is expected to have passed after 8am on Friday, we expect that members of the public will be delayed in reaching appointments.

‘It is very important that no one travels during the red weather warning. Staff in our services are expecting and will fully understand that people will be delayed reaching appointments.

‘We thank the public in advance for their patience as there will inevitably be knock-on delays through the day.’

The HSE added that its priority remains the safety of the public and of its staff.

All HSE services are repeating the advice to the public to stay indoors for the duration of the severe weather warning, and not to undertake any unnecessary travel on Friday February 18th between 3am and 8am.

It said that while the National Ambulance Service will, as always, prioritise emergency calls during this weather event, it is urging the general public to think carefully before calling. ‘The response to emergency calls may be hindered by road conditions and the number of emergency calls at any particular time. Personnel will do their utmost to reach those in greatest need of our emergency services,’ it said.

The South/South West Hospital Group (S/SWHG) is advising that at this point, no elective inpatient or outpatient appointments or procedures have been cancelled. Again, it repeated: ‘However, no member of the public should travel during the red weather warning. Staff are expecting that people may arrive late for appointments tomorrow and are prepared for this.’

All scheduled Covid-19 vaccination centres and testing centres in Cork and Kerry will be opened once the red weather warning has passed.

Day services (eg for older people, in disability services and in mental health services) will also open after the red weather warning has passed.

Appointments at health centres and primary care centres are going ahead after the red weather warning.

‘We would like to reassure the public that detailed contingency plans are in place to ensure the continuity of services at such critical time,’ the statement continued, and thanked its staff for the work and planning they have undertaken to make sure that essential services are maintained and that those using HSE services are kept safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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