Met Eireann places country under Orange alert as storm heads for Ireland
Met Eireann says an Orange flood warning is in place for the whole country as another Atlantic storm is set to hit Ireland today.
CORK: Gardai tell us a fallen tree is partially blocking the Ballydehob/ Schull Rd (R592); take care. http://t.co/xIOpAbmtHz
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) February 14, 2014
Our 6.15am update http://t.co/nLdnWW3a7I #staysafe
— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) February 14, 2014
Around 75,000 homes were without power for a second night last night following the first storm earlier this week, with parts of Cork and Kerry the worst effected.
Mike Fitzgerald of ESB Networks says more than 3,000 engineers are working on a huge operation to get everyone back on the grid.
Local frost &icy this morn will clear as a band of heavy rain,sleet/snow extends from S by sct rain shwrs&isol thunderstorms.Max 3 to 8C
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) February 14, 2014
The ESB says it cannot guarantee when electricity will be restored.
Further heavy rain and strong winds are expected later and there is also a snow and ice warning in place for parts of Connacht, Longford, Westmeath and Meath.
It is not expected to be as bad as Wednesday's storm, however Cork is on high alert ahead of high tide at 5.30pm this evening.
Weather warning system explained.
The Department of Social Protection has allocated half a million euro to the St. Vincent de Paul to help victims of the storms and flooding.
The charity has so far received requests for help with replacement clothing, heating and energy costs.
