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Storm Eunice: Man killed by falling tree in Republic of Ireland

@LeahBurgessIr High tide and storm Eunice surge waves at Tramore in Waterford@LeahBurgessIr
There were big waves in Waterford as Storm Eunice made landfall

A man has died in the Republic of Ireland after being hit by a falling tree during Storm Eunice.

The man, who worked for Wexford County Council, was clearing debris caused by the storm when he was fatally injured.

It happened in the Ballythomas area of County Wexford, close to the border with County Wicklow, on Friday morning.

It is being treated as a workplace accident and the gardaí (Irish police) and the Health and Safety Authority have been informed.

In a statement, Wexford County Council expressed "deep sadness and regret" as it confirmed the man's death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the employee's family, work colleagues and friends at this very difficult time," the statement added.

Storm Eunice made landfall in the Republic of Ireland on Friday morning, with Met Éireann issuing a number of red and orange warnings for some counties, which have now been lifted.

A yellow snow and ice warning for the entire country has been extended until 10:00 local time on Saturday.

High winds

There are about 80,000 properties without power, mainly in Cork, Kerry and Clare.

Parts of Cork and Kerry were hit by gusts of over 130km/h (81mph), with the highest gust recorded at 137 kmh/h (85mph) at Roches Point in Cork.

A total of 43 flights were cancelled at Dublin Airport, with further delays expected.

Ferries from Rosslare to Britain, France and Spain have also been cancelled.

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The chairman of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) in the Republic of Ireland told RTÉ that Eunice will be a "high impact, multi-hazard storm bringing coastal flooding, damaging winds and blizzard conditions."

Keith Leonard said the storm will be at the "upper end" of the winter storms, and urged people to stay indoors if they are in an area with a red warning.

Parts of Cork and Kerry were hit by gusts of over 130km/h (81mph), with the highest gust recorded at 137 kmh/h (85mph) at Roches Point in Cork.

In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a yellow snow warning until 18:00 GMT.

Snow fell in the north west of Northern Ireland overnight, but the Department for Infrastructure said all routes remained open.