February 18, 2022: A woman runs from a crashing wave during Storm Eunice in Portstewart, Northern Ireland.Getty Images

A man has died after being struck by a falling tree near the Wexford-Wicklow border as Storm Eunice made landfall on Friday. 

The man, who was aged in his 60s, was out clearing debris caused by the storm in the Ballythomas area of County Wexford. 

"It is with deep regret and sadness that Wexford County Council confirms that one of our employees was fatally injured earlier today in a workplace accident," Wexford County Council said in a statement on Friday.

"The accident occurred as the employee attended the scene of a fallen tree in the North Wexford area.

"The employee’s family, An Garda Síochána, and the Health and Safety Authority have been informed.

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

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Earlier on Friday, more than 80,000 homes were left without power across the country as the storm made landfall. 

The ESB is currently working to restore power where it is safe to do so.

Brian Tapley of ESB Networks told RTÉ that crews have been out "since first light" working to assess damage and restore power. 

"Crews have been out since first light, since the Red warning has ceased, effectively assessing damage and restoring supply," Tapley told RTÉ. 

"We expect to have significant numbers of our customers back by tonight." 

However, he warned that power will not be restored until Saturday. 

The majority of affected homes are located in south Kerry and west Cork, Tapley said. 

A total of 43 flights in and out of Dublin Airport were also canceled on Friday morning, with 21 outbound flights and 22 inbound flights canceled, according to Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). 

The DAA says all other flights are operating as scheduled but added that delays are likely since the storm is moving eastward over Britain and continental Europe. 

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