STORM BRENDAN: Thousands without power in Kilkenny and South East, trees down and trampoline loose on motorway

The main thrust of Storm Brendan is moments away from hitting Kilkenny and already there are reports of trees down and debris on the road as the county is battered by high winds and heavy rains.

Brendan hit the South West coast this morning with winds of up to 130kph, driving rain and heavy hail showers. The storm has already caused severe damage, with roofs ripped off buildings in Youghal and Ballincollig with roads closed in parts.

Road closed outside building in Ballincollig as roof peels off

It is estimated already up to 50,000 people are without power, of which over 4,00o are in the South East. Inistioge and other parts of south Kilkenny have been affected.

There are reports of a tree down near the Rock Bar on the Kilkenny–Freshford Road, while some businesses in the city have decided to close for the day due to the storm. The Butler Gallery earlier announced it is closing for the day.

AA Roadwatch are also warning motorists of a trampoline on the loose on the M9 just outside Kilkenny.

In Waterford and Tipperary some roads are close to impassable due to fallen trees.

Trampoline loose on the M9 motorway as Storm Brendan hits Kilkenny

Motorists are urged to avoid the road from Clonmel to Kilkenny after a large tree came down on the roundabout outside Kilsheelan. Multiple trees have fallen on the N24 Limerick – Waterford road at Carrick-on-Suir, close to the Lidl supermarket.

The main street in Ballincollig has been closed after serious damage was caused to the roof of an industrial building in the town centre, while a popular public house in Youghal has seen some of its roof ripped off.

Tree downed and blocking road due to Storm Brendan

Emergency services are advising people to stay indoors until the storm passes this afternoon and to be prepared for possible thundery conditions and power cuts.