Athlone area escapes worst of storm damage

Galway city and other parts of the country were severely affected by storm-force winds and flooding in the past 24 hours but the Athlone area appears to have escaped the brunt of the damage.

A 'yellow level' weather warning, for strong and gusty winds, has been extended until 6pm, countrywide, with Met Eireann expecting more moderate winds later this evening. 

Calls this morning to Westmeath County Council's office in Athlone, and to the fire services in Athlone and Roscommon, indicated that there were no reports of storm damage in the region.

Roscommon County Council said there had been some reports of potholes and flooding on roads in the south of the county, but widespread damage had not been reported.   

The Minister of State with responsibility for flood relief, Athlone's Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, was in Galway this morning to help distribute sandbags and speak to those affected by last night's flooding in the city.

Tomorrow is expected to be another very windy day with stormy conditions forecast in Southern coastal areas. 

This weekend will see the return of somewhat calmer conditions, but it will also become much colder with some frosty and icy conditions at night.