Storm Bram brings misery as thousands hit by power cuts, flooding and travel disruption with gusts of up to 120kmh

"The south Atlantic storm significantly strengthened as it approached the Irish coast early yesterday morning and struck with powerful wind gusts of almost 120kmh. There were a number of lucky escapes reported nationwide with a fallen tree narrowly missing a bus in Wicklow and another tree toppling just metres from a family home in Cork. Ireland is now on high alert for flooding amid fears the heavy rainfall associated with Storm Bram - combined with torrential rainfall over"

"Fortunately, major flood damage was avoided at high tides yesterday despite the sea surge associated with Bram as flood defences nationwide proved effective. Cork city suffered the worst of the flooding with some city centre quays closed and a number of low-lying roads outside the city proving impassable though no major property damage was reported. Flooding hit Waterford's Plunkett railway station where operations had to be suspended after the tracks became totally submerged."

"Thousands of Dublin commuters faced travel misery yesterday evening as Dart services between Grand Canal Dock and Lansdowne Road had to be suspended due to storm debris on overhead lines. Coastal flooding was also reported in Tramore and Dungarvan in Waterford as well as Blackrock in Louth and Clontarf in Dublin. Waterford City and County director of services Gabriel Hynes told RTÉ the storm had brought an "extremely hazardous day"."

The south Atlantic storm strengthened approaching the Irish coast with wind gusts near 120kmh, producing fallen trees and near misses. Heavy rainfall and weekend torrential rain raised flood alarms as rivers and streams risked breaking banks. Flood defences and storm barriers prevented major damage at high tides, though Cork city quays and low-lying roads were flooded and impassable. Waterford's Plunkett railway station was submerged, suspending operations. Thousands of Dublin commuters faced disruption after Dart services were suspended for debris on overhead lines. Coastal flooding affected Tramore, Dungarvan, Blackrock and Clontarf. Around 90 flights were cancelled or delayed and all ferries were suspended.

Read at Irish Independent