Storm Dave: 18,000 without power as wind warnings in place
Eva Osborne
Storm Dave has arrived in Ireland, with Met Éireann warning of severe gusts and coastal gales.
18,000 homes, farms and businesses across the country are without power on Saturday night as a result of the storm.
ESB Networks crews are mobilised and responding to power outages where safe to do so.
The electricity supplier apologised to all affected for the inconvenience caused.
“If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never ever touch or approach these as they are live and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999,” it said.
Wexford was under an orange wind warning from 6pm until 9pm, but that has since expired.
The rest of the country is under a yellow wind warning until 2am on Sunday.
Dublin Airport said that 15 flights were cancelled on Saturday as the effects of Storm Dave were felt.
There were 16 'go-arounds' and one diversion, due to challenging wind conditions.
Meanwhile, Donegal and Mayo were under a status yellow rain warning from 8am until 4pm on Saturday afternoon.
Met Éireann said Storm Dave will bring very strong southerly winds, veering westerly by the evening.
âï¸Update
â ï¸Yellow Rain Warning for Mayo & Donegal
â³08:00 to 16:00 Sat 04/04/26â ï¸Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland
â³13:00 Sat 04/04/26 to 02:00 Sun 05/05/26â¹ï¸https://t.co/lvQFgW8DsS
â¹ï¸https://t.co/ktXtWjbfIg pic.twitter.com/W8icS7iLtO— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) April 4, 2026
The weather forecaster said possible impacts include some fallen trees and branches, wave overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, and debris.
The UK Met Office's wind warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry will come into effect at 2pm and expire at 3am on Sunday morning.
Met Éireann warned that strong onshore winds, coinciding with high tide, will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding.
Rain is set to be heavy and persistent in the north and north-west at first. Over high ground in Ulster, there is a possibility that precipitation may fall as sleet.
It will be drier elsewhere for a time before persistent and heavy rain spreads eastwards across the country through the afternoon, with spot flooding possible.
There will be a clearance to scattered showers following from the west later. Highest temperatures will range from nine to 12 degrees.
