A woman has been killed and another injured after a tree fell on their car in Co Waterford.
It’s the first fatality of Storm Ophelia. Just after half 11 this morning a woman in her 50s was driving a car close to Aglish village on the R671 when a tree fell on top of it.
She died while a female passenger in her 70s was hurt.A woman has been killed and another injured after a tree fell on their car in Co Waterford. It’s the first fatality of Storm Ophelia.
Just after half 11 this morning a woman in her 50s was driving a car close to Aglish village on the R671 when a tree fell on top of it. She died while a female passenger in her 70s was hurt.
She’s been taking to Waterford Regional Hospital where her injuries are described as non-life threatening. Gardai had originally had different ages for the women involved in this tragedy but have since updated this information.
There are reports of numerous fallen trees in Waterford due to high winds and weather conditions in the area are severe. This situation is mirrored right across the country and people are being urged to stay indoors and not to drive unless absolutely necessary. All train and bus services nationwide have been suspended.
Aer Lingus says it’s had to cancel a large number of flights today. It’s asking passengers to check their flight status via aerlingus.com. The airline says people can rebook flights on another date free of charge or get a full refund.
Over 200 thousand homes are without power as storm Ophelia tracks its way across the country. The ex-hurricane is due to batter Connacht and Leinster in the mid afternoon, before it strikes Ulster.
The public is being urged stay indoors and away from coasts, after several incidents this morning.
Homeless charities across the country have opened their doors to provide emergency accommodation for anyone in need of shelter in storm Ophelia.
The Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy announced rough sleeper teams are on the ground offering support to people. While local authorities are also in a position to help.
Wicklow County Council’s Severe Weather Co-ordination Group reconvened to consider and review the response of the relevant agencies to Storm Ophelia.
The following Council services remain on standby:” Outdoor Crews” Fire Service” Civil DefenceEarlier warnings to the public to take great care and extreme caution during the storm remain in place.
The Council urges the public to stay away from piers, harbours and the coastline generally during this extreme weather event.
Drivers and pedestrians are strongly advised to stay off the roads. Fallen trees pose a serious risk to all road users.
The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables. In relation to services for the homeless, Fassaroe Community Centre is open today with volunteer staff.
Five Loaves Bray is working and will provide meals etc. Any costs associated with this will be borne by Wicklow County Council.
Also, in preparation for the impending storm, the Peter McVerry Trust has put a provision in place across the region to assist rough sleepers.
They have designated a number of sites in Dublin city and also Michael Garry House in Newbridge, Co Kildare, as part of the emergency response. Notifications will be up on the Peter McVerry Trust website.
Any individual or agency who comes across a rough sleeper should direct them to the designated locations.
The public are again reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings. Information is available across social media platforms and other traditional media sources.
Urgent calls can be directed to Wicklow County Council on 0404 20100 or after 5pm on 01 2916 117.
