By Eniola Amadu
Tens of thousands of homes remain without electricity after Storm Amy swept across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland bringing record winds, flooding and widespread disruption to travel and schools.
In Northern Ireland, around 18,000 properties were still without power by Saturday afternoon, according to NIE Networks.
At the peak of the storm, approximately 65,000 customers lost supply after strong winds brought down trees and damaged the network.
The worst affected areas include Craigavon, Enniskillen, Omagh, Downpatrick, Ballymena and Dungannon. Councils in these regions have opened community assistance centres where residents without electricity can access hot drinks, showers and phone charging facilities.
The Education Authority reported 18 “storm-related incidents” at schools, mainly involving roof damage and fallen trees.
All train services were initially cancelled across Northern Ireland, though some lines reopened on Saturday.
Belfast International Airport recorded 13 cancellations, while Dublin Airport confirmed about 20 cancellations on Saturday, with airlines warning of possible delays.
A yellow wind warning remains in force across Northern Ireland until late Saturday evening, though an earlier warning for heavy rain has been lifted.
NIE Networks said the majority of properties should have power restored by Sunday morning, but warned that for some households it may take until Monday evening.
Operations manager Alex Houston said further damage could still occur as high winds continue, and urged the public to report any hazards while avoiding broken electrical equipment.
In the Republic of Ireland, the storm caused the death of a man in his 40s in County Donegal, in what police described as a “weather-related incident.”
RTÉ reported that he fell from a height in Letterkenny. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) confirmed that 184,000 properties lost power at the height of the storm, though by Saturday midday this had been reduced to 49,000.
Most households should have electricity restored by Sunday evening, though some in heavily affected areas could remain without supply into next week.
Storm Amy also left widespread damage to vehicles, including one incident in east Belfast where a tree struck a 17-year-old driver’s car, shattering its windows. The teenager said he was “very lucky to be untouched.”
The Met Office provisionally recorded a 92mph (148km/h) wind gust at Magilligan in County Londonderry, which could mark a new UK record for October.
Police across Northern Ireland have warned road users to remain cautious amid fallen debris, flooding and surface water.
