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Power restored to most customers after Storm Floris

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  Power has been restored to the majority of the 10,000 homes and businesses that were impacted by Storm Floris yesterday.

Storm Floris: Ireland Reels from Widespread Damage and Disruption


Ireland is grappling with significant disruption and widespread damage following the passage of Storm Floris, a powerful Atlantic storm that battered the country overnight and into Friday morning. The storm brought ferocious winds, torrential rain, and high seas, leaving a trail of fallen trees, power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes, coastal flooding, and travel chaos in its wake. While initially predicted to be severe, the actual impact has been described by some as exceeding expectations, particularly concerning the extent of structural damage and localized flooding.

The storm’s intensity was felt across the entire island, though western and southern counties bore the brunt of Floris' fury. Coastal communities experienced significant wave action, with reports of overtopping sea defenses in several locations. The combination of high tides and powerful waves resulted in widespread inundation of low-lying areas, impacting homes and businesses near shorelines. In Galway, for example, residents reported water levels reaching unprecedented heights, forcing evacuations from some properties. Similar scenes unfolded along the coast of County Clare, where historic coastal structures were threatened by erosion and wave damage.

Beyond the immediate coastal impact, inland areas also suffered considerably. The strong winds felled trees across the country, blocking roads, disrupting power lines, and causing significant damage to property. Many rural roads remain impassable due to fallen timber, hindering emergency services' access and complicating efforts to restore power. The sheer volume of debris is proving a major challenge for local authorities attempting to clear routes and assess the full extent of the damage.

Electricity supply has been severely impacted. ESB Networks, the national electricity provider, reported that over 100,000 homes and businesses were initially without power at the peak of the storm. While crews have been working tirelessly throughout Friday to restore supplies, significant numbers remain offline, particularly in counties Galway, Mayo, Clare, Kerry, and Donegal. ESB representatives are warning that full restoration could take several days due to the widespread nature of the damage and the challenging conditions faced by repair teams. The complexity of repairing downed power lines amidst fallen trees and flooded areas is significantly slowing down progress.

The transport network has been severely disrupted. All flights in and out of Shannon Airport were cancelled on Friday morning, and delays are impacting other airports across the country. Numerous train services have also been suspended due to fallen trees obstructing tracks and concerns about safety. Road travel remains hazardous, with many roads closed or partially blocked by debris. Gardaí (Irish police) are urging people to avoid all unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

The agricultural sector is facing significant losses. High winds and heavy rain have damaged crops, particularly in exposed areas. Livestock farmers are also reporting difficulties due to flooded fields and impassable routes preventing access to animals. The full extent of the financial impact on agriculture remains unclear but is expected to be substantial.

Beyond the immediate physical damage, Storm Floris has highlighted vulnerabilities within Ireland’s infrastructure and preparedness for extreme weather events. The storm's intensity has prompted renewed calls for investment in coastal defenses, improved tree management practices along power lines, and enhanced emergency response capabilities. The frequency of severe weather events is a growing concern, linked to the broader impacts of climate change, and many are questioning whether current infrastructure and planning adequately address these evolving risks.

Local communities have rallied together to support those affected by the storm. Community centers have been opened to provide shelter and assistance to displaced residents, and volunteers are assisting with cleanup efforts. The spirit of resilience and mutual aid is evident across the country as people work to recover from the devastation caused by Storm Floris. However, the long road to recovery remains ahead, requiring coordinated effort from government agencies, local authorities, utility companies, and community groups to rebuild infrastructure, restore services, and support those whose lives have been disrupted. The focus now shifts towards assessing the full extent of the damage, providing essential assistance to affected communities, and planning for future resilience in a climate increasingly characterized by extreme weather events.





The psychological impact on residents, particularly those who experienced flooding or displacement, is also being recognized as an important consideration moving forward. Mental health services are being made available to support individuals struggling with the trauma of the storm.

Read the Full RTE Online Article at:
[ https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0804/1526809-storm-floris-ireland/ ]