Update: Death Toll Rises To Three As Hurricane Ophelia Ravages The Country

Three people have lost their lives today as Hurricane Ophelia continues to travel upwards through the country.

The most recent death was of a man in Louth, whose car was struck by a tree as he was driving in Ravensdale, near Dundalk at 2.45pm. A recovery operation is currently underway and no further details of his identity have been released.

Earlier this afternoon it was reported that a man in his thirties was killed in an incdent with a chainsaw. It’s believed he was trying to remove a fallen tree when a second tree fell on top of him. This tragic incident took place in Cahir, Tipperary, at 12:30pm and his body has since been removed to Clonmel Hospital.

A middle-aged woman was also fatally injured by the passing storm as she was driving in County Waterford today. A branch fell on her passing car shortly before midday. Another female passenger, a woman in her seventies, was also in the car at the time, but it’s believed her injuries are not life threatening.

Gardaí have advised people to stay indoors and not to venture outside until the storm has passed. “Do not put your life or the lives of the emergency services at risk by travelling unless absolutely necessary,” they said in a statement earlier today. “Please be advised if you require urgent assistance of the emergency services to dial 999.”