Storm Isha latest: Most schools to open today as ESB works to restore power to 240,000

Schools around Ireland will largely open as normal today after Storm Isha ripped through the country overnight.

The Atlantic storm system sparked Status Red and Orange warnings on Sunday with the northwest of the country worst affected. Almost 240,000 customers around the country saw their power knocked out with crews now working to restore power.

In a statement on Sunday evening, ESB Networks said: "Storm force winds associated with Storm Isha have caused damage to the electricity network across the country with more than 170,000 homes (as of 8.35pm on Sunday), farms and businesses without power."

That numbers increased overnight as the worst of the winds ravaged the country.

"The worst impacted counties are Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Kerry," they said but counties like Sligo and Donegal in the northwest were worst affected as the storm progressed.

"ESB Networks continue to monitor the impact of Storm Isha closely, switching customers back remotely where possible. However, due to the extent damage to the network and adverse weather conditions, the majority of homes, farms and businesses currently impacted will remain without supply overnight," a statement on Sunday read.

ESB Networks storm response plans have been in effect since Sunday and crews have mobilised again this morning to assess the damage and make repairs.

"ESB Networks crews are responding where safe to do so. Given the extent of the storm, estimated restoration times will be updated through the day and will be available on www.PowerCheck.ie and www.ESBNetworks.ie as restoration work progresses," they said.

People are once again being warned that if they "come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they may be LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999."

Meanwhile, RTE reported this morning that schools around the country are expected to open as normal on Monday, unless local decisions are taken under the Government's Be Winter Ready plan.

Under that plan, school management can make a decision to close their schools due to local factors like a loss of electricity, poor travelling conditions, etc. Schools in this instance will contact parents. 

Met Éireann's weather warnings for the entire country lapsed this morning but a Status Yellow wind warning for Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo remains in place until 7pm this evening.

It warns of "very strong and gusty westerly winds" with a number of potential impacts, including "large coastal waves with wave overtopping, difficult travelling conditions and debris, loose objects displaced.

Forecasters at Met Éireann say "today will remain breezy and blustery with some very strong gusts in the west and northwest."

"There will be sunny spells and scattered showers, some heavy with a chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms. Most places will become dry this evening as the showers become isolated. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees with fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds, very strong in the west and northwest.

"Mostly dry early tonight, with just isolated showers. Rain and drizzle will develop in the southwest and will spread northeastwards to all areas overnight. Breezy at first with a fresh to strong and gusty westerly wind. It will become calmer for a time, but then a fresh to strong southerly wind will develop later. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 7 degrees."