GALWAY: Storm-force south-westerly winds, heavy rain and high seas continued to lash the west coast last night, with localised flooding causing havoc in parts of Galway city and county.
Galway fire brigade was called to rescue nine motorists early yesterday when cars were caught by flooding in and around the docks areas and the Claddagh.
Residents of basement apartments in the Salthill area were also affected during the high tide.
Seas came in over the quay wall in the docks, causing road closures and traffic diversions.
The Salthill promenade was impassable for a short period, and local authority workers were out clearing seaweed and debris between Seapoint and Blackrock.
Further out in the county, wind and tide threw up rocks, weed and debris on parts of the Cois Fharraige route.
The Costello bridge near Rossaveal was impassable for a time.
About 1,000 homes in east Galway were without power for just over an hour, and the Lackagh area was affected by power cuts due to lightning yesterday afternoon.
Lackagh was on the itinerary of the Fine Gael leader, Mr Michael Noonan, who was on a one-day visit to the Galway West constituency yesterday.
Sporting fixtures were affected, and last night's football match between Galway United and Bohemians had to be cancelled due to flooding on the pitch.
It is expected there may be more cancellations of sporting events over the weekend.