Storm Boelo Causes Widespread Power Outages Across Ireland
Thousands of homes are without electricity as strong winds and heavy rain batter the island.
Storm Boelo has caused thousands of homes to lose power across the island of Ireland as it brought strong winds and heavy rain. An amber wind warning was in effect for parts of County Antrim and County Londonderry in Northern Ireland until 10:00 GMT on Sunday. In the Republic of Ireland, an orange wind warning was in place for County Donegal until 09:00 local time.
In Northern Ireland, areas including Springfield in County Fermanagh and Bushmills in County Antrim reported over 1,000 homes without power. In the Republic of Ireland, Milford in County Donegal saw more than 1,600 homes affected, and Aghagad in County Sligo reported over 1,200 impacted homes.
A yellow weather warning for all of Northern Ireland was in place until midday on Sunday. On Saturday, the strongest gust recorded in Northern Ireland reached 71 mph in Orlock Head, County Down. Malin Head in Donegal recorded gusts of 83 mph on Saturday. A yellow wind warning was also issued for counties Connacht, Cavan, Louth, and Monaghan until 10:00 local time on Sunday.
Authorities have reported several road closures across Northern Ireland due to fallen trees. The Ballyrobin Road in County Antrim became impassable near the junction with the Seven Mile Straight, potentially impacting travel to Belfast International Airport. The Glenshane Road in County Londonderry was also impassable about half a mile from the Castledawson roundabout.