Storm Agnes downs trees and causes flooding around Laois

Emergency services and Laois County Council workers have been called out to deal with Storm Agnes around the county.

Laois County Council confirmed that seven of the eight County Laois Fire and Rescue Service crews in the county have been deployed to respond to a number of issues across the county.

The council said the issues predominantly relate to tress down on public roads.  

Council Engineer Paul McLoughlin also confirmed that the council crews in the county's three Municipal Districts have had to deal with localised spot flooding at a number of locations.

He said one regional road (Johnstown Road, Rathdowney) was impacted by a fallen tree but promptly cleared. He reported on Wednesday evening that it is local roads that were mainly impacted with one road at Coolnacurragh, Granstown (L1598) remaining closed by 5pm.

A number of areas around the county lost power during the storm including Portlaoise where over 1,500 customers suffered power cuts.

Emo Court parklands were partially closed due to Storm Agnes.

A Status Yellow Met Éireann wind warning remains in place for Laois until midnight. Forecast details below tweet.

#StormAgnes
Winds strengthening as #stormAgnes continues northeastwards over the country.
Latest wind observation (Highest) : Sherkin Island mean wind speed 81 km/h, just tipping into status red.

All warnings ➡️ https://t.co/OdMjmiAs3g pic.twitter.com/qxvOmtcjo5

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) September 27, 2023

In its forecast Met Éireann says Storm Agnes is tracking northeastwards over the country with further disruption likely in places. Very windy with strong to gale force southeasterly winds, veering southwesterly through the rest of the day. Further outbreaks of rain will mean more localised flooding is possible. Strong onshore winds and high seas will bring the risk of coastal flooding on eastern and southern coasts. 

The forecaster warns that Wednesday night will stay windy in the north and east with strong and gusty southwesterly winds gradually easing as Storm Agnes clears towards Scotland.

Thursday will be dry in many areas to begin with sunny spells. Cloudier in the south though, with patchy rain and drizzle. South to southwest winds will freshen as a band of rain extends from the Atlantic during the morning. The rain will spread eastwards over the country through the day, with some heavy falls, followed by scattered showers.

Winds will mostly ease with the clearance of the rain, but will continue strong and gusty near west and northwest coasts. Highs of 15 to 18 degrees.