Local motorists urged to drive with extreme care following storm damage

Motorists are being warned to drive with caution on all routes today as wind blown debris is likely in many areas in the aftermath of Storm Ellen.

It comes as Met Éireann issued a Status Yellow Rainfall Warning for the whole country, valid from now until 5am tomorrow (21st). Heavy downpours and thunderstorms may cause localised spot flooding in many areas.

While power remains out for parts of Coosan in Athlone, Tubberclair, areas close to Moate, Creagh and between Brideswell and Curraghboy in South Roscommon, Athlone Gardai are reporting no fallen trees or any major storm damage in the town. However, they warned motorists to be vigilant in relation to debris on the roads.

Westmeath County Council received 30 reports of fallen trees, according to Midlands 103, but these have now been dealt with.

The council is currently monitoring the Shannon levels given the forecast of heavy rain downpours and thunderstorms later today.

A number of traffic lights are out of action in Roscommon town and Ballinasloe due to a power outage, according to AA Roadwatch.

However, trees down in the Roscommon town area, including the N61 and N63, have now been cleared.

A tree is reported to be down on the road at Scregg, Knockcroghery, while there are branches reported on stretches in the Ballydangan and Drum areas of South Roscommon.

Galway County Council is also reporting several fallen trees in the Ballinasloe area.

A tree has fallen down at the entrance to the Dubarry factory in the town with no access, while the road between Mountbellew and Ballyforan is blocked halfway along the bog road.

Meanwhile, the New Inn Kilconnell Road is impassable due to storm damage.