The National Emergency Co-ordination Group says red level weather warnings have been issued amid the onset of Storm Éowyn which is set to bring very dangerous and destructive winds.
A status red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’. People affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and protect themselves and their properties.
Schools, early learning and childcare settings and further and higher education institutions in red level warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.
Employers in red warning areas should facilitate working from home for all employees who can do so.
Only emergency service workers should be leaving home for work, where directed by their employer.
Public advice
Keith Leonard, Chair of the NECG, said:
“Storm Éowyn is going to be a very dangerous and destructive weather event. The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property. During the Red Level wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place.
“Where Orange warnings are in place, the public are also advised to limit travel to essential journeys only. An orange wind warning should not be underestimated – it can bring extremely strong gusts and can also pose a threat to life and property.
“I would urge people to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’.
"It’s also important to remember that even after the storm has passed, there is a strong possibility of fallen trees and other debris so drivers are also urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm.”
Weather impacts
Storm Éowyn will bring gale force winds, including severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/h widely, with even higher gusts possible.
Where red warnings are in place, likely impacts will include:
The NECG is continuing to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.
On the ground, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and emergency response teams will be in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.
All primary and post-primary schools in red warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.
Early learning and childcare settings in red warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.
All Further and higher education institutions in red warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.
Public transport does not operate in a red warning. Transport operators will make an assessment on when services can resume when the red warning is lifted.
Air and ferry passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights or ferry crossings, should contact their airline or ferry operator directly.
Public safety advice
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging the public to take extreme caution as a Red Weather Warning has been issued.
People are being urged not to travel on Friday with extremely strong winds which will result in fallen trees and power lines, destruction to property, flying debris, and road blockages.
Where people have to use the roads the following advice is being given on foot of the weather warnings:
Advice to road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists)
Power
ESB Networks crews and partner contractors around the country have been making the necessary advance preparations, with all available resources on alert for the onset of Storm Éowyn. ESB Networks continually monitor the latest forecasts and real time events on the electricity network and will deploy crews to restore supply when it is safe to do so.
On a precautionary basis, ESB Networks would like to ask customers to consider preparations in the event of losing their electricity supply if their area is affected. This includes having torches, spare batteries, fully charged phones and their MPRN number (found on the top right corner of each electricity bill) to hand. More information is available here: Be Prepared.
An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.
Homeless services
With regard to rough sleepers, Cold Weather Initiatives are in operation across all local authorities to provide additional emergency beds for rough sleepers where needed – ensuring that additional temporary beds can be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities, for singles and couples who need them during periods of cold weather.
Outreach teams will be working to make contact with rough sleepers in advance of the severe weather. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) has a free app which enables members of the public to alert them to the location of anyone sleeping rough, so that outreach teams can make contact with them.
Uisce Éireann
Uisce Éireann’s severe weather preparations have been activated. Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - go to the Uisce Éireann website.
