Storm Boelo has left around 41,000 homes, farms and businesses without power across Ireland, most of them in the northwest, after strong winds and heavy rain swept the country over the weekend. Flights and ferries were cancelled on Saturday, and weather warnings remained in place on Sunday.
Here is where the outages, warnings and travel disruption stand, and what is forecast next.
Power outages concentrated in Donegal
ESB Networks first reported about 13,000 customers without electricity. By Sunday morning the figure had passed 40,000 premises without power, with more outages possible while warnings stayed in force.
Donegal took the worst of it. Over 23,800 customers in Donegal alone were affected at one stage, with fallen trees and debris reported on roads. Buncrana had the most customers affected in one ESB PowerCheck update, 5,794 across three faults. In Co. Roscommon, Arigna was the worst-hit area in the Shannonside region, with 851 customers still without supply.
ESB Networks estimated that power would be restored in most affected areas by 2pm on Sunday. Dungloe and Gweedore were given later estimates. Live figures are posted on ESB PowerCheck.
Orange warnings ease, Northern Ireland stays on amber
Met Éireann had issued Status Orange alerts for five counties as Boelo brought severe wind and rain to the south, southwest and north. A Status Red marine warning described a violent storm along parts of the northwest coast.
By Sunday, Orange warnings were being downgraded. Donegal’s Orange wind warning expired at 9am and a Status Yellow warning stayed in place until 3pm. Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo also moved from Orange to Yellow. In Northern Ireland a Status Amber warning for Derry and Antrim ran until 9pm on Sunday.
In Kerry there were fears that the rainfall could lead to flooding, following heavy rain from the previous storm, Storm Austen.
Flights and ferries cancelled
Dublin Airport reported that, as of midday on Saturday, five outbound and four inbound flights had been cancelled by airlines because of the weather. Later reports put the totals higher, and some flights were unable to land on their first attempt.
On the Irish Sea, Stena Line cancelled its remaining Dublin to Holyhead sailings for the day, including the 4pm and 10.15pm crossings. Irish Ferries and P&O Ferries were also reported to have cancelled crossings. In Northern Ireland, speed restrictions applied on all railway lines.
What happens next
Forecasters expect a further spell of strong winds on Tuesday. Customers still without power should check ESB PowerCheck for restoration times, and anyone due to fly or sail should check with their airline or ferry operator before travelling.
FAQ
How many customers lost power during Storm Boelo?
About 41,000 homes, farms and businesses were without power at the peak, most of them in the northwest.
When is power due back?
ESB Networks estimated that most affected areas would be restored by 2pm on Sunday, with later estimates for Dungloe and Gweedore.
Is more bad weather expected?
A further spell of strong winds is forecast for Tuesday.
