Storm Darragh leaves over 300,000 powerless across UK, Ireland

Around 325,000 householders are currently without electricity as Storm Darragh sweeps across the country, with a Status Yellow wind warning in place.

In Northern Ireland, approximately 46,000 homes and businesses have been impacted by power outages, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and other key agencies convened this morning to assess the storm's effects.

According to the NDFEM, the disruption to electricity supply has been extensive, with impacts greater than those experienced during Storm Ophelia. Restoration efforts are expected to take several days, with ESB repair teams working alongside the Defence Forces to address damage to the network. Power has been restored to almost 75,000 customers as of today.

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) have reported that restoration work will continue into tomorrow following an initial damage assessment. Very strong and gusty northwest winds were recorded across Munster and Connacht, with Met Éireann logging gusts of 141km/h at Mace Head in County Galway at 11pm last night. Additionally, gusts of 120km/h were recorded at Shannon in County Clare, while 115km/h winds were reported in County Cork.

Earlier warnings have now expired. Status Red warnings for Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Wicklow lifted during the night, while a Status Orange wind warning ended at 10am today and was replaced with a Status Yellow warning that will remain in place until 3pm.

Additionally, a Status Yellow rain warning for Connacht and several other Irish counties expired at 10am. Northern Ireland has been issued with an Amber Wind warning that will last until 9pm, with further warnings of potentially damaging winds expected. A Status Yellow rain warning is also active in Northern Ireland until midday.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, with a high likelihood of fallen trees and debris due to the storm's impact. Road users are advised to slow down, leave extra time for their journeys and remain vigilant.

Moreover, the storm has caused widespread disruption across multiple transport networks. Dublin Airport reported several flight cancellations this morning and has advised passengers to contact airlines directly for up-to-date information. The storm also led to the accommodation of some planes bound for other Irish airports last night.

Cork Airport experienced 12 flight cancellations and 11 diversions last night and earlier this morning. However, operations are returning to normal as of this afternoon.

Irish Ferries has cancelled a number of sailings to the UK and France as a result of the high winds, further compounding travel issues.

On the Connolly to Belfast train route, services are currently terminating at Dundalk, with limited bus transfers running to Belfast. Delays are anticipated on other services, although operations are expected to continue today.

Passengers are being advised to plan ahead, exercise caution and check for updates on their journeys as Storm Darragh continues to cause significant disruption across the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev