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THE streets of Killarney and roads throughout the county are deserted as Hurricane Ophelia batters the country this afternoon.

Wind and rain has caused damage across the greater Killarney and Kerry area. Trees are down in several parts of Killarney, with a fallen tree on Ross Road and at Tiernaboul. Multiple trees are down on the Killorglin-Beaufort road.

There are also reports of wires down in a number of locations across Killarney.

Met Eireann's severe weather warning remains in place and Kerry County Council is advising people to stay indoors and avoid travelling as conditions deteriorate over the coming hours.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has declared a national emergency and said the Government’s priority is to avoid injury.

The N70 road at Blackwater Bridge is partially blocked and a tree is resting on a power line at Kilmurry Road, Kenmare. A tree is down at Dromoughty Road, Kenmare, and at Over the Water, Caherciveen.

Irish Water has incident plans in place and crews on standby to deal with the effects of Storm Ophelia. Irish Water recognises that the predicted conditions are likely to result in power outages at critical water and wastewater installations which could compromise service delivery. Heavy rainfall may also increase the risk of flooding.

Power outages may impact the operation of our water treatment plants which would compromise the safety of drinking water. Where risk arises, working with the HSE, Irish Water will impose precautionary Boil Water Notices as necessary.

Met Éireann says Ex-Hurricane Ophelia is forecast to track up over western parts of Ireland during daytime today. Violent and destructive gusts of 120 to 150 km/h are forecast countrywide and in excess of these values in some very exposed hilly and coastal areas.
The most severe winds are over Munster and south Leinster at present, will extend quickly to the rest of the country this afternoon. Also heavy rain and storm surges along some coasts will result in flooding.
There is a danger to life and property.
 

 
Above: A deserted Plunkett Street in Killarney today.