New weather warnings have been announced for parts of Ireland, as the island deals with two named storms in quick succession.
Impacts are expected to include flooding, difficult travelling conditions and possible power outages.
Around 3,000 homes, farms and businesses in the worst-affected areas of the Republic of Ireland were without electricity on Friday morning as a result of strong wind and rain from Storm Austen.
ESB Networks said crews had been deployed in all areas impacted by the power outages.
Forecasting agencies have also issued warnings about Storm Boelo, with the northern part of the island and the west coast forecast to be most affected by that separate weather front.
The Republic of Ireland’s weather agency Met Éireann issued five other warnings of varying severity affecting 10 counties along the west coast.
(Press Association Graphics)
PA Graphics
Meanwhile, the UK Met Office has issued a yellow wind warning for Northern Ireland from 6pm on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday.
Ireland’s emergency planning group said the heavy rain from Storm Boelo will fall on saturated ground, with surface water and river flooding likely in the west and southwest.
The National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group said rivers in the west and south-west are likely to experience river level increases that may lead to “out-of-bank flooding”, while a high tide advisory applies to Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal from 3pm on Saturday to 7am Sunday which could see coastal flooding and wave overtopping.
Keith Leonard, head of the group, paid tribute to the response of local authorities and agencies to Austen but added: “Unfortunately, with Storm Boelo on the way, there will be no respite and local severe weather assessment teams are working all day today and through the weekend to mitigate and manage the impacts to come.
“Of particular concern is the challenge expected from extremely strong winds in the northwest. I would advise everyone to avoid coastal areas during the period of the weather warnings and heed all coastguard advice.”
Taoiseach Mícheál Martin paid tribute to the emergency services working to help during the storms.
He said generators have been made available in preparation for people losing power.
More resources, he said, will be needed going forward as storms become more powerful and more frequent.
“Storms are becoming more frequent, becoming stronger, and yesterday the cabinet subcommittee focused on that, on a range of measures in terms of both prevention, in terms of stronger protections, and also in terms of adaptation now for climate change,” he said.
“Adaptation has to move to the top of the table in respect of protecting against the impacts of climate change, which are here now, and that goes from coastal erosion right through to flood protection.”
All warnings for Ireland associated with Austen – predominantly affecting Munster and Leinster – lifted at 10am.
A spokesperson for the Dublin Marathon said the race will go ahead as planned.
“Preparations for Sunday’s Irish Life Dublin Marathon, including the event build, are progressing as planned, and we look forward to welcoming runners and supporters,” they said.
“As part of our routine planning for all events, Dublin Marathon Group monitors weather conditions, with established adverse weather arrangements included in our overall event management plan.
“We encourage runners to bring suitable layers to keep warm before the start and have warm, dry clothing available after finishing.
“We have shared some weather-related race day tips via our website, and any further advice will be shared through our official event channels if required ahead of Sunday.”
Met Éireann advised that Boelo brings an Orange-level wind warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo between 2pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday.
A different Orange-level warning for rain applies to Kerry between 7am on Saturday and 2pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a Yellow-level warning for all those counties as well as Clare, Cork, and Limerick will apply between 4am on Saturday and 3pm on Saturday.
All five counties in Connacht as well as Clare, Kerry and Limerick will also be under a Yellow warning for wind between 1pm on Saturday and midday on Sunday.
A separate Yellow wind warning will apply to Donegal between 1pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.
The Met Office warned of 50 to 60mph gusts in Northern Ireland due to Boelo, with winds up to 65 to 75mph in exposed areas.