Thousands of homes and businesses across Ireland without power as Storm Ashley wreaks havoc

Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power on Monday morning following the impact of Storm Ashley across Ireland yesterday. 

At the peak of the storm, more than 53,000 properties had lost power with that number reducing to 29,000 on Sunday night. As of Monday morning, ESB Networks said 16,000 customers were without power as the clean-up begins across the country.

The worst affected areas are Galway, Mayo and Dingle in County Kerry, according to ESB Networks. There are some other pockets around the country and crews mobilising at present in impacted areas to recommence restoration work, they said in a statement. 

Orange and Yellow-level winds associated with Storm Ashley battered the country on Sunday, predominantly in counties along the Western Seaboard, with the worst impacted areas including Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare and Kerry, as well as North Cork and North Dublin leading to power outages impacting 53,000 customers at its height.

The challenging weather also forced close to 60 flights due in and out of Dublin Airport to be cancelled, with planes finding it difficult to land resulting in a numbers of diversions and go-arounds.

While today's weather forecast is more favourable, Met Éireann has issued a new status Yellow gale warning from Erris Head to Rossan Point to Malin Head in place from 2pm on Monday and finishing at 5pm.

Today, Monday, will be dry in most parts to begin with sunny spells and just a few showers. It'll turn cloudier from the west this afternoon, with outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in moderate to fresh southwest winds, increasing strong and gusty near western and northwestern coasts at times from afternoon.

Tonight will be rather cloudy for a time with outbreaks of rain continuing to spread eastwards over the country, with the chance of a few heavy bursts across southern counties. Clear spells and a few showers will extend from the west overnight. Lowest temperature of 5 to 9 degrees with winds decreasing light to moderate southwest or variable. Some mist and fog patches may form towards dawn.