Storm Darwin causes havoc in city and county as airport forced to close

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Darragh Goggin captured and tweeted this picture from the front seat of his vehicle on the N21 this afternoon. It is one of the many trees blocking several roads in Limerick.

Andrew Carey

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STORM Darwin has already caused havoc around Southern parts of the country as the high winds and rain are causing extensive damage and localised flooding.

It too is taking its toll in Limerick as a number of roads are closed due to fallen trees.

Branches and trees are reported on the road between Kildimo and Foynes while a tree is blocking the N21 between Newcastlewest and Rathkeale as motorists are advised to take an alternative route and urged to take care while driving.

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A wall has crashed down t the City Council Depot in Moyross while Shannon Airport has  been forced to close due to the high winds. A small jet was flipped on its side at the terminal building.

Activities at the airport have been suspended until later this afternoon when a review of operations is to take place.

Wind speeds of up to 150km/h have gusted through the city and county as Storm Darwin moves over the country.

AA Road Watch are reporting two trees down on the Old Dublin Road near Daly’s Cross.

Also, twitter is alive with reports of trees down at the entrance to Elm Park in Castletroy as well as trees and a telephone pole down by Castletroy Golf Club.

Foynes is understood to be impassable and a lamp post is understood to have fallen at Mayorstone roundabout near the entrance to LIT.

Trees are understood to have fallen at Mungret roundabout and also at the University Hospital Limerick.

Flooding is already reported by witnesses at the offices of the Courts Services on Merchants Quay in Limerick with water coming through the windows on the lower levels while glass panels at the front of the building are coming off the door.

The storm has also caused damage to the roof of Shannon Rowing club and buildings on Sarsfield Street.

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