Updated 22.00
Storm Eleanor has brought strong winds and flooding to parts of Ireland this evening.
The first storm of 2018 has also led to power outages across the country.
While high tides have receded in some of the flooded areas tonight, the Office of Emergency Planning has warned that "there are still serious risks from storm-force winds and high spring tides in the morning".
People are being advised to stay away from exposed coastal areas, while motorists are being advised to never drive through flood waters.
Gardaí said they had received reports of debris on many roads, and called on road users to drive with "extreme caution".
Galway City Council told motorists to avoid parts of the city centre this evening amid reports of serious flooding.
Members of the Defence Forces have been deployed to assist Galway City Council in responding to the flooding.
Flooding on roads and streets across city. STAY AWAY from roads near B' loughane, Loughatalia, Docks, Claddagh Quay, Grattan Rd, Prom etc. #StormEleanor is still in force.
— Galway City Council (@GalwayCityCo) January 2, 2018
Be careful out there #StormEleanor @RNLI pic.twitter.com/QPripTuY4d
— Galway Lifeboat (@GalwayLifeboat) January 2, 2018
There has also been flooding in Cork city & county, with Bantry & Middleton among the areas affected.
#CORK There’s flooding in Cork city centre on Union Quay, George’s Quay, part of South Terrace and on Morrison’s Quay. https://t.co/PSzIBsvOzE #StormEleanor
— AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) January 2, 2018
Limerick Council confirmed that its crews were dealing with flooding in parts of the city, including Merchant's Quay.
Flood waters at Merchant's Quay in #Limerick #StormEleanor pic.twitter.com/t1M8Cn0EDr
— Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) January 2, 2018
Irish Rail said bus transfers are in operation between Kilkenny and Waterford due to flooding on the line at Waterford Station.
ESB Networks reported that tens thousands of homes across the country were without power due to faults.
Around 55,000 electricity customers were without power at 8.15pm this evening - mostly in counties Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, Cavan and Monaghan.
Anyone who encounters fallen or damaged electricity lines is being warned to not approach the live wires and instead report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999.
Dublin Airport has advised passengers to check with their airline for latest flight information amid increasing wind speed & strength at the airport.
As strong winds hit the capital, Dublin Fire Brigade said that Lansdowne Road had been closed due to 'an issue with a crane'.
Lansdowne Rd currently closed due to an issue with a crane, firefighters from Donnybrook & @GardaTraffic attending the scene #StormEleanor #Dublin #fire @aaroadwatch pic.twitter.com/Mxbbijl623
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 2, 2018
Warnings
A status orange wind warning is now in effect for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry.
The warning, which comes following other status orange warnings earlier on Tuesday, is valid until 2pm tomorrow.
According to Met Éireann, southwest to west winds of mean speeds 65 to 80 km/h, gusting to 110 to 130 km/h, are expected.
Gusts of more than 155 km/h were recorded at Knock Airport earlier this evening:
WOW!
Knock Airport has seen a gust of 84 knots which is 155.5kmh!!!! That is near #HurricaneOphelia levels!#StormEleanor is leaving her mark! @kclr96fm @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/f8IGbkP7jX— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 2, 2018
Meanwhile, Storm Eleanor has also led to a countrywide status yellow wind warning for the entire country from 4pm today until 9pm tomorrow.
Met Éireann meteorologist Deirdre Lowe says it's a fast moving storm with winds that could cause structural damage.
The Road Safety Authority is encouraging road users to "check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip".
The authority adds: "Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected."
