Storm Betty leaves tens of thousands without power as winds and rain batter UK

ESB Networks said just under 50,000 homes remained without power just before noon

Waves crash against the sea wall in Tramore, County Waterford, as Storm Betty brings strong winds and rain as well as the threat of flooding across Ireland (Niall Carson/PA) (PA Wire)

Tens of thousands of homes are without power after Storm Betty battered Ireland.

Storm-force winds caused damage to the electricity network overnight, affecting just over 70,000 homes, farms and businesses, ESB Networks said.

Approximately 30,000 households remain without power on Saturday evening, with some expected to be without electricity overnight. Areas most impacted include counties in the south east, along with North Dublin, Dundalk, Portlaoise and Kilkenny.

ESB networks said that all available resources have been deployed and crews will continue to work late into the night to restore power. People are urged to stay clear of fallen electricity wires.

Damage from the storm has also felled trees, blocking roads and in some cases damaging vehicles.

Those without electricity can check for real-time updates on when their fault is expected to be repaired at http://www.PowerCheck.ie.

In Northern Ireland, the PSNI warned motorists to be aware of hazardous driving conditions.

A spokesperson said: “Police are continuing to appeal to road users to continue to exercise caution this morning in all areas of the country, as high winds and rain can make driving conditions difficult.

“There are also reports of trees down on a number of roads. “Motorists should continue to proceed carefully and at lower speeds, bearing in mind the impact of this weather on stopping distances and braking. Please also heed any road closure signage.”

All weather alerts from Irish forecaster Met Eireann have now been lifted.

Members of the Coast Guard inspect the damage to a boat after it broke free from its berth and crashed into the harbour during Storm Betty in Dungarvan, County Waterford (PA)

On Saturday morning, the Castletownbere lifeboat was launched in gale-force winds to go to the assistance of two sailors whose yacht got into difficulties on the northern shore of Kenmare Bay in Co Kerry.

The 31-foot ketch had been anchored off Dromquinna and, as the storm became increasingly strong, the vessel dragged anchor and became stuck on a rock.

The sailors were concerned and raised the alarm with the Irish Coast Guard’s Marine Research Coordination Centre in Valentia stating that they were requesting immediate assistance.

Members of the Coast Guard inspect the damage to a boat after it broke free from its berth and crashed into the harbour during Storm Betty in Dungarvan, County Waterford (PA)

The yacht was subsequently located on a rock south of Dromquinna but, with the rising tide, volunteer lifeboat crew were able to attach a tow rope and pull the vessel clear.

Paul Stevens, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Castletownbere RNLI, said: “When the crew returns this afternoon, they will have spent over 10 hours at sea in challenging conditions – demonstrating their very strong commitment to the lifeboat service.”

The Met Office had issued five yellow weather warnings for other parts of the UK on Saturday, warning of heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms across certain coastal areas, but alerts were lifted at noon.

Pedestrians shelter from the rain beneath umbrellas while looking at the London landmark, the London Eye, from Embankment by the River Thames, in central London (AFP via Getty Images)

North-west Wales saw the strongest wind at 66pmh, with neighbouring areas also hitting the 60mph mark, BBC Weather reported.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said on Friday: “While Storm Betty will have higher impacts in Ireland, exposed Irish Sea coasts of the UK could see gusts in excess of 70mph, with around 50mph more widely.

“Storm Betty is also bringing some large accumulations of rainfall for the time of year, with some spots of Northern Ireland seeing around 80mm of rain, though between 15-25mm is expected more widely. Parts of Scotland could see similarly high accumulations, especially over higher ground.”

Holidaymakers beginning their summer getaways in the UK are advised to check the Met Office app and social media channels for updates and brace themselves for longer journey times.