A Status Yellow warning was issued for the whole country with it being upgraded to a Status Orange for Cork and later Galway and Mayo too.
Storm Elsa arrived in full force yesterday, with the west and south of the country bearing the brunt of it.
Hundreds of people have found themselves without power this morning as a result of the stormy weather with strong winds also causing a number of fallen trees. According to reports, even the Christmas tree at the Eyre Square market has fallen.
Footage uploaded online shows the extent of the flooding in Galway, concentrated around Salthill and the surrounding areas.
Serious flooding Salthill Galway last night https://t.co/Kw1H4Y4Obd
— Gerry Malone (@LiveatOriel) December 19, 2019
Terrible flooding tonight in Galway. Thinking of all the emergency responders out tonight. Gale force winds, too. https://t.co/9i9RHhRsjZ
— Brenda L Romero (@br) December 19, 2019
More from the ongoing flooding in Galway https://t.co/DaO7tM9eti
— Matt Taylor (@MetMattTaylor) December 18, 2019
According to Galway City Council, staff have been on duty since the early hours, trying to clear the damage caused by Storm Elsa. GCC crew worked overnight to clear flooding as well as branches and other fallen debris.
Councillor Owen Hanley commended crew for their quick response.
https://twitter.com/OwenHanleyLives/status/1207440784200482816
Gardaí have been keeping the public updated on progress this morning tweeting that: “as of 2:30am Dec 19 all National Primary Routes in the Claremorris Garda District have been cleared of fallen trees.
Mayo County Council crews cleared all routes which were blocked or partially blocked with fallen trees. Weather conditions have returned to normal”.
Met Eireann predicts that showers will become more widespread across the country this afternoon, merging to longer spells of rain in some places.
Scattered showers this morning will become more widespread across the country this afternoon, merging to longer spells of rain in places. Highest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees in mostly moderate southeast breezes. pic.twitter.com/IOGNnYWqeW
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 19, 2019
Drivers in the west and south have been warned to exercise extreme caution.
