Storm Franklin reaps havoc in Mayo

Storm Franklin reaped havoc in the vicinity of the Mayo Covid vaccination and testing centre at Breaffy yesterday.

Cars parked in the estate of Breaffy House Hotel were struck by fallen trees and branches.

Images of the damage caused to vehicles were circulated on social media.

Nobody was injured as a result of the storm.

Storm Franklin caught many people by surprise as it followed Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice – and turned out to be the worst of the three by far.

Despite an Orange Status warning being issued on Sunday morning, many did not expect the sheer force of the gales that swept across the county for a number of hours.

Over 1,700 homes were left without power in the Ballina area and a further 300 in the Turlough Road area of Castlebar.

Fallen trees were also reported in the Pontoon and Crossmolina areas as well as along the R320 between Swinford and Kiltmagh.

Trees were being cleared at New Line, Brickens, Castlemagarret, Meelick and Irishtown.

Some damage was also caused to the church at Currane, Achill.