More than 170,000 homes and businesses without power as Storm Isha warnings remain in place

More than 170,000 homes and businesses across the country are likely to be without electricity overnight due to the impact of Storm Isha.

Strong winds have caused damage to the electricity network in almost every county with more than 170,000 homes, farms and businesses without power as of 8.35pm this Sunday.

While ESB Networks teams are restoring power where safe to do so, the State utility says it expects the number of customers without power will increase as Storm Isha continues to track across the country. 

Red and orange warnings are in effect and they will remain valid until the early hours of Monday.

According to ESB Networks, the worst impacted counties in terms of outages are Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Kerry with further outages expected overnight, particularly in the North-West.

Latest #StormIsha Update: Over 170,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power as of 8:35pm with the expectation of further power outages as Storm Isha tracks across the country. https://t.co/iYZ1unICc6

— ESB Networks (@ESBNetworks) January 21, 2024

Latest wind observations at 8pm️️⤵️ pic.twitter.com/A5p4UdUwKA

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 21, 2024

ESB Networks says its crews are continuing to monitor the impact of Storm Isha closely, switching customers back remotely where possible.

However, due to the extent of the damage to the network and adverse weather conditions, it says the majority of homes, farms and businesses currently impacted will remain without supply overnight. 

"ESB Networks storm response plans have been in effect since earlier today and crews will mobilise again at first light to assess the damage, making the network safe and restoring electricity supply where safe to do so," said a spokesperson.

Given the extent of the storm, estimated restoration times will be updated through the day tomorrow and will be available on PowerCheck.ie as restoration work progresses.