Gusts of up to 140kph expected to hit country

A severe weather warning has been issued across Ireland as storm-force winds battered the country last night and are expected…

A severe weather warning has been issued across Ireland as storm-force winds battered the country last night and are expected to continue today.

Met Éireann said although winds have abated for a time, as the storm centre crosses the country, they are expected to pick up later today with mean speeds of 50-60kph and gusts of up to 100-140kph.

Heavy rain and high tides have brought localised flooding to a number of southern areas.

The River Suir has burst its banks in Waterford city, causing flooding on Scotch Quay and Williams Street.

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Flooding has also been reported on the N25 Waterford-to-Wexford road along the Quays in New Ross. Drivers are also warned to be aware of fallen trees throughout the country.

A spokeswoman for Dublin City Council said the Liffey boardwalk - which was closed for part of last night - will also be closed between 11.30am and 2.30pm today in advance of the high tide.

A number of roads and parts of roads in the Sandymount area will be closed during those hours, to coincide with the timing of the flood warning.

The council has put flood relief measures in place at key locations in Sandymount, Ringsend and Clontarf in addition to substantial defence works, which have been carried out over the last six years, she said.

Forklifts have also been used to place heavy dam bags on the seafront in some areas.

The emergency number for Dublin City Council will be manned over the four hours of the high tide period at 01-6796186.

There were delays to flights at some of the State's airports and some flights have been cancelled. The Ryanair flight to Shannon from East Midlands was cancelled as were British Airways flights due at 11.40am and 1.15pm and BMI flights due 12.35pm and 6.30pm from to Heathrow to Dublin.

The 8.45am sailing on the Rosslare-to-Pembroke Cruise Ferry has been cancelled, and all sailings on the Jonathan SwiftFast Craft between Dublin and Holyhead have been cancelled.