Donegal was devastated by flash flooding last night, with many being stranded as the roads were too trecherous; due to flooding, a tree falling on the road, and even collapsed bridges.
A power outage also struck Inishowen last night, with over 1,000 homes in Moville, Redcastle, and Quigley’s Point being left without power.
Donegal County Council has advised people not to travel on roads across Inishowen this morning as a massive clean-up operation of debris gets underway.
For updates on road conditions, click here.
A huge section of the road between Muff and Quigley’s Point has washed away – with a driver having a lucky escape after their van plunged into the massive gap.
Many people from Donegal were left stuck as they could not return to their homes from other parts of the county and Derry, with many staying with friends and family overnight.
Chef Brian McDaid was stranded in Derry, saying the drive from Sligo was the worst drive of his life, with the worst weather he’s ever seen.
Serious damage following the flooding in Inishowen this morning. Worst night I’ve ever experienced on the roads.Roads home all closed #tired pic.twitter.com/JWSkQ5oP0R
— Brian Mc Dermott (@ChefBrianMcD) August 23, 2017
The Derry to Killea road was blocked by a huge tree, felled by the force of the water.
A landslide also occurred on the road between Muff and Buncrana over the gap. Rendered completely inaccessible due to the huge mudslide, drivers were forced to turn back.
Burnfoot was effectively cut off due to the flooding; one of the most affected parts of Donegal last night.
Village of Burnfoot in Co. Donegal cut off after flash floods. West Inishowen effectively cut off. Long delays expected. pic.twitter.com/fjLe9yQdbY
— Matt Gallagher (@TammRehgallag) August 22, 2017
Thunderstorms and deluge swamp Elaghbeg, Inishowen 21/8/17 pic.twitter.com/adqwCpV59t
— Brian Hutton (@magicbathtub) August 22, 2017
The road at Race End, Ballyare, was more like a river yesterday evening.
Further north of the county, roads in Clonmany have been blocked be enormous pieces of debris.
Both Clonmany Bridge and Cockhill Bride in Buncrana have been left damaged overnight with Cockhill Bridge remaining closed.
This morning people in Lifford/Strabane are worried that the River Foyle will burst its banks, with more rain expected this afternoon.
The River Foyle at Lifford Bridge this morning, the tide is due to rise later #Donegal. Pretty high after last nights torrential rain pic.twitter.com/IzEp14tCP9
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) August 23, 2017
The flash flooding has affected most of the province, with the Fire and Rescue Service of Northern Ireland responding to sixty callouts last night.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Met Eireann forecaster John Eagleton says that in the region, a month of rain fell on one night.
Thunder and lightning storms also struck the North West, with St. Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry being hit by a fork of lightning.
Beautiful photo by RR Media of last night’s storms over Inishowen – lightening striking St Eugene’s cathedral in Derry pic.twitter.com/NYpgMnZblz
— Prof John D Brewer (@Prof_johnbrewer) August 23, 2017
More updates as we have them.
Source: MET Eireann
Featured image taken in Inishowen by Brian McDermott.
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