STORM FRANCIS: 250 homes in Kilkenny without power, warnings remain in place

More than 250 homes are without power in county Kilkenny this morning after Storm Francis swept through the country last night.

ESB networks confirmed some 264 homes in and around the Ballyhale area are with power this morning. The electricity went shortly after midnight as the full effects of the storm started to kick in.

The power is expected to be returned later morning.

ESB Networks said: “We apologise for the loss of supply. We are currently working to repair a fault affecting your premises and will restore power as quickly as possible.”

Elsewhere, floods in Freshford overnight made driving through the village very difficult and a warning was issued by the AA.

However, since early morning the waters have subsided and driving conditions improving despite heavy rains remaining.

The worst of the conditions may not have passed as of yet, as two yellow weather warnings are still in place for county Kilkenny.

A yellow wind warning remains in place until 7pm this evening. Met Éireann said: “Very windy or stormy conditions are expected on Tuesday as Storm Francis crosses Ireland.

“Southwest winds veering westerly, reaching mean speeds of 55 to 65km/h, will bring widespread gusts of 90 to 110km/h (and possibly higher in exposed areas).”

A status yellow rain warning is also in place until 9pm this evening. Met  Éireann warned: “Intense rainfall associated with Storm Francis is expected at times Monday night and Tuesday, leading to accumulations of 30 to 50mm with surface flooding.

“This rainfall will further elevate river levels and may result in river flooding also.”