Storm Barney swept across the country this evening, bringing gusts exceeding 100km/h and leaving hundreds of homes in County Wexford without electricity.
The ESB said gale-force winds had caused power faults affecting more than 40,000 households nationwide. The company added that it may be some time before crews can restore power because of the extent of the damage. The expected restoration time (ERT) for all areas is 6pm tomorrow.
In County Wexford, 2,447 households have been affected. Faults have occurred in New Ross, Adamstown, Ballinaboola, Enniscorthy, Ballymurn, Marshalstown, Ferns, and Camolin. New Ross is the worst affected area, with two faults leaving 1,492 customers without electricity.
At around 4.30pm, a school bus on the N11 road outside Enniscorthy was struck by a falling tree. Emergency services attended the scene and no injuries were reported. A fallen tree also cut off access to the N80 road outside Calvary Cemetery in Bunclody earlier this evening.
Met Éireann issued a Status Orange warning for Munster and Leinster earlier today, with wind speeds reaching 80km/h and gusts of up to 130km/h. The warning will remain in place until 9pm this evening. Winds are expected to ease later tonight, with a Status Yellow warning remaining in place until 10pm.
Power faults can be checked on the ESB’s Power Check map.