Ireland has been hit hard by Storm Ashley, which made landfall late Sunday night, causing significant disruption and damage across the country. With wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h, the storm has led to widespread power outages, especially in coastal counties such as Donegal, Galway, and Cork. The ESB has reported that more than 29,000 homes and businesses have been left without power, with crews working around the clock to restore services.

Local authorities issued orange weather warnings for several counties, urging people to avoid non-essential travel and to stay indoors during the height of the storm. Fallen trees, debris on roads, and flooding in low-lying areas have made travel particularly dangerous. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to clear roads and assist residents affected by the storm.

One of the most impacted regions was Cork, where strong winds caused flooding along coastal areas. Several homes were evacuated as a precaution, and local schools were closed for the day due to safety concerns. Residents in Cork city reported water levels rising rapidly, with damage to properties and vehicles in flood-prone areas.

In Galway, large waves battered the coastline, causing significant damage to seaside infrastructure. In Clifden, parts of the harbour were submerged, with boats damaged and some washed ashore.

Meteorologists warn that while the worst of the storm has passed, further unsettled weather is expected throughout the week, with additional rain and wind forecasted. Met Éireann advises caution, particularly in regions that have already experienced the worst of the storm, as weakened infrastructure and continued rains may lead to further disruptions.

The storm comes as part of a particularly volatile autumn for Ireland, which has seen a string of severe weather events. The Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage has reassured the public that emergency response teams remain on high alert and are coordinating relief efforts across affected counties.