Thousands of homes and businesses across Ireland were without electricity on Sunday morning after Storm Boelo brought severe gusts, coastal gales and widespread disruption overnight. Weather warnings remained active in several counties, while fallen trees, cancelled travel services and event changes affected communities from the west and northwest to Northern Ireland.
Storm Boelo leaves thousands without power
ESB Networks reported significant damage to the electricity network, particularly in areas where the storm was strongest. Its PowerCheck service showed numerous outages across the west and northwest, with additional supply interruptions reported in parts of the midlands, Bantry in Cork and Dingle in Kerry.
ESB Networks said crews were assessing the damage and would provide estimated restoration times once affected areas had been inspected. Restoration work may take longer in locations where fallen trees, flooding or difficult access have damaged overhead infrastructure.
- Storm Boelo brought strong southwest winds and severe gusts overnight.
- Donegal’s Status Orange warning ended at 9am and was replaced by a Status Yellow warning until 3pm.
- Power outages were concentrated in western and northwestern counties, with other disruptions reported nationwide.
- Road closures and transport cancellations were reported in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Met Éireann weather warnings remain in place
Donegal was the final county in the Republic of Ireland under a Status Orange warning linked to Storm Boelo. That warning expired at 9am on Sunday, followed by a Status Yellow wind warning lasting until 3pm.
Earlier Orange warnings for Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo and Galway had also expired. However, a Yellow wind warning remained in effect across Connacht, Cavan, Louth and Monaghan until 10am.
The warnings reflected the continuing risk from strong southwest winds, powerful gusts and difficult coastal conditions. Even after an alert expires, roads and public areas may remain hazardous because of fallen branches, debris and damaged infrastructure.
Warnings in Northern Ireland
The UK Met Office maintained an Amber warning for Antrim and Derry until 10am. A Yellow warning then covered Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry until midday.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said several roads were closed because of fallen trees and debris. It specifically warned motorists about obstructions on the Ballyrobin Road near Belfast International Airport and on the Glenshane Road near Castledawson.
Roads blocked by fallen trees
Storm-related debris caused disruption for drivers in several counties. Mayo County Council said the R331 between Claremorris and Ballinrobe was partially blocked by fallen trees, with crews working to clear the route.
Authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel while conditions remained unsettled. Anyone who must drive should allow extra time, increase stopping distances and be prepared for sudden hazards around bends or on exposed roads.
- Check local council and emergency-service updates before setting out.
- Do not drive through roads blocked by trees, floodwater or debris.
- Keep clear of fallen power lines and report hazards to the relevant authority.
- Charge phones and keep essential supplies available during a power outage.
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Flights, ferries and major events affected
The storm also disrupted travel. A number of flights at Dublin Airport were cancelled on Saturday, while several ferry crossings between Dublin and Holyhead did not depart.
Passengers should check directly with airlines, ferry operators and transport providers before travelling, as schedules can change quickly when strong winds affect airports, ports and exposed routes.
The Dublin Marathon was due to take place on Sunday morning with thousands of participants. Organisers advised runners to wear suitable layers before the start and to have warm, dry clothing ready for after the race.
Several weekend events were cancelled, including the Lú Festival of Light in Drogheda and Trick or Treat in the City in Limerick. Event-goers should confirm arrangements with organisers rather than relying on earlier schedules.
Emergency coordination activated
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management said meetings of the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group were being convened as Storm Boelo brought disruptive conditions across much of the country.
These coordination arrangements allow national agencies, local authorities and emergency services to share information and respond to risks including flooding, fallen trees, road closures and electricity outages.
What happens next?
The immediate priority is assessing damage and restoring electricity supplies safely. Crews must inspect affected networks before repair work can begin, meaning restoration times may vary between locations.
Weather warnings were scheduled to expire through Sunday morning and early afternoon, but conditions could remain dangerous after warnings end. Drivers, pedestrians and outdoor event attendees should continue to monitor official updates and local authority notices.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas were most affected by Storm Boelo?
The west and northwest experienced some of the strongest conditions and the highest concentration of reported electricity outages. Disruptions were also reported in parts of the midlands, Cork and Kerry.
When did the Status Orange warning for Donegal end?
The Status Orange warning for Donegal expired at 9am on Sunday and was replaced by a Status Yellow wind warning until 3pm.
Are roads and transport services operating normally?
Not everywhere. Fallen trees and debris caused road closures, while flights and ferry crossings were cancelled or disrupted. Travellers should check current operator and authority information.
What should people do during a power outage?
Keep away from fallen electricity lines, use torches rather than candles where possible, preserve phone battery and check ESB Networks for outage and restoration information.
Storm Boelo: the key takeaway for Ireland
Storm Boelo has left a wide trail of disruption, including power cuts, blocked roads, travel cancellations and cancelled events. Although the strongest warnings were due to expire, the public should remain cautious while crews clear hazards and assess damage. For the latest Breaking News Ireland updates, follow official weather, emergency-service, transport and electricity network notices.