Gusts of 122kph recorded in Galway as Storm Boelo batters county
The gust was recorded at Mace Head, and was the strongest reported anywhere in the country since Storm Boelo made landfall on Saturday afternoon
Gusts of up to 122kph have been recorded in Galway as Storm Boelo continues to batter the county with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The gusts – the strongest anywhere in the country today – were reported at Mace Head in Connemara. Accumulated rainfall of 65mm has also been reported at the weather station in Maam.
Hundreds of households and businesses are set to remain without power until tomorrow afternoon as ESB crews struggle to repair faults in dangerous conditions across the county.
More than 400 premises in Gort are currently without electricity and are not expected to have it restored until 2pm on Sunday. Similarly, 178 premises in Oughterard will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon for power to return.
Over 1,000 homes and businesses were temporarily without electricity around Oughterard earlier this afternoon but it was quickly restored for most premises.
In Loughrea, more than 160 homes are without power, and another 187 in Athenry are currently in the dark. ESB expects to have restored electricity in both areas later tonight.
Other areas experiencing blackouts include Spiddal, Ballygar and Clifden, as Storm Boelo continues to lash the west coast. A Status Orange wind warning remains in place until 9am on Sunday.
Met Éireann is expecting damage to power lines, fallen trees, large coastal waves, and dangerous travelling conditions for the duration of the weather alert.
Salthill Prom was closed to the public from 2pm on Saturday and will remain closed until further notice with overtopping of waves and flooding anticipated in the area. Toft Car Park is also closed.
Silverstrand Road and car park has also been shut, along with Salthill car park, while Ballyloughane Beach Road is restricted to local access from Saturday until further notice.
Galway City Council has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel for the duration of the severe weather event. The Coast Guard has also issued the advice: “Stay back, stay high, and stay dry.”
Merlin Woods and Barna Woods are closed to the public due to fears over falling trees. A section of the Rosshill Road adjacent to a wooded area has also been closed.
Galway City Museum shut its doors at 1pm on Saturday, and a flood barrier has been erected at the Spanish Arch.
Ferries to the Aran Islands have been cancelled due to the severe weather, with just one sailing taking place earlier on Saturday morning.
The Galway Senior Football Championship clash between Maigh Cuillin and Salthill-Knocknacarra, which was due to take place in Pearse Stadium on Saturday afternoon, has also been rescheduled for Sunday.