Storm force winds sweep country as hurricane hits!
DUBLIN, Ireland - September 12, 2011 - About 13,000 homes are without power after storm force winds swept across the country.
The worst affected areas were Cavan, Longford, Ballina, Co Mayo, Sligo and Donegal as the remnants of Hurricane Katia hit Ireland.
A further 2,000 homes in Dublin have no electricity in the Coolmine region.
Winds gusting up to 80-85 mph are expected with the north and northwest expected to bear the brunt of the storm.
The Electricity Supply Board said repair crews have been dispatched to the worst hit areas but further damage cannot be ruled out.
The Coast Guard urged people to take care during the stormy conditions, particularly around the coast and in exposed areas. It urged people to avoid sea or water-based activities and taking dangerous cliff walks alone.
Trees were brought down in Galway city and county while high tides made worse by the gales caused severe flooding along the promenade in Salthill.
In Clare, the Cliffs of Moher visitors center urged people to postpone planned trips to the site while in Limerick flying debris was making driving conditions treacherous.
Road travel in counties Cork, Tipperary, Donegal, Galway and Kildare was also disrupted by fallen trees and branches and flooding.
Elsewhere, the Irish Ferries Swift sailings from Dublin to Holyhead have been cancelled because of rough seas.
P&O Ferries has also cancelled this afternoon's 3:00 p.m. Dublin-Liverpool service and tomorrow's 3:00 a.m. sailing from Liverpool.
Forecasters said winds speeds will range from 30-50 mph, with gusts ranging 57-80 mph.
Internet weather news site, www.irishweatheronline.com, reported gusts of wind as high as 85 mph on Arranmore Island, near Donegal.
The Harry Blaney Bridge, which spans Mulroy bay off the Fanad peninsula in north Donegal, was shut as a precautionary measure.
Local ferry services to and from the islands off the county were cancelled for the day.
