Storm Austen: Fallen trees in Kilkenny as council issues update

Kilkenny County Council crews have cleared fallen trees reported overnight in the south of the county caused by Storm Austen.

The local authority responded to a number of incidents, including a fallen tree on the LS7501 at Jamestown and another on the R698 at Owning.

Both incidents have since been dealt with by council crews.

The council has thanked the public for their patience and appealed to road users to take care while travelling.

“We thank the public for their patience and urge road users to take care while travelling,” Kilkenny County Council said.

The incidents come as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the 2026/27 season, brought heavy rainfall and strong winds across Ireland overnight.

A Status Yellow rain and wind warning was in place for Kilkenny, with Met Éireann warning of difficult travelling conditions, localised flooding, fallen trees and debris on roads.

Meanwhile, further unsettled weather is on the way, with Storm Boelo expected to affect Ireland over the October Bank Holiday weekend.

The second named storm of the season is forecast to track to the northwest of Ireland on Saturday, bringing further heavy rain and strong winds, particularly to western and northern areas.

Met Éireann has warned that further rainfall, combined with already wet conditions, could increase the risk of flooding in some areas over the weekend.

Motorists are being advised to remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest weather warnings.