A SECOND person has reportedly died as Storm Ali continues to batter Ireland.
BBC News NI reports that a utility worker in his 20s was killed when a tree feel on him in Co. Armagh.
A second man in his 40s was reportedly injured in the incident, which is believed to have occurred at Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
It follows the death of a woman in Co. Galway this morning after a caravan she was staying in was blown off a cliff.
Incident
The incident in Co. Armagh is believed to have involved contractors working on behalf of NI Water.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “NI Water is aware of an incident involving employees of one of our contractors.
“Emergency services attended to two individuals. Sadly one of these people died at the scene.
“NI Water is currently working closely with the Emergency Services, the Health and Safety Executive and the PSNI and will do everything possible to assist.
“Our thoughts are with the families of those involved at this time.”
Condolences
Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon also offered her condolences to the man’s family.
“The local community are shocked and saddened at the news that a man was tragically killed and another man injured after a tree fell on them at Slieve Gullion Forest Park today,” she said.
“I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this man at this difficult time. The thoughts of our entire community are with them.
“I also want to commend the emergency services for risking dangerous conditions to respond swiftly to this incident to help others.”
Strongest winds on record
Electricity said it had restored power to 64,500 customers since Storm Ali's arrival, although it added that 29,000 were still without electricity.
The Met Office meanwhile revealed a wind gust of 91mph has been recorded in Killowen, Co. Down – the strongest in September in Northern Ireland since records began in the 1880s.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Laura Paterson said: “The strongest winds will gradually ease from the west through this afternoon as Storm Ali moves quickly off north-eastwards, reaching the Norwegian Sea this evening.
“Through Thursday another area of low pressure will develop and approach the UK from the southwest, bringing rain and second spell of strong winds later on Thursday.”
See More: Co Armagh, Met Office, Storm Ali
