Careful out there people bit of bad weather coming. Keep the elderly in mind. The National Emergency Committee has advised people living on the west coast to avoid any unnecessary travel, watch out for fallen cables and to check on neighbours. A Status Red warning is in effect from Met Éireann as a storm has hit the west coast this evening. The committee earlier gave a briefing on preparations for the severe weather. The strongest winds will be between midnight and 9am tomorrow, as the storm moves south along the west coast. Met Éireanns Gerald Fleming says this will be as severe as many of last winters storms, although not as bad as 12 February. Inspector John Ferris asked drivers of high-sided vehicles, motorcyclists and cyclists to avoid travelling during this period, if they can, and to take extra care if they do have to go out. He also said people should avoid coastal areas, particularly cliff walks and waterways and should not take their children out to these areas to look at the storm. The committee says ESB has emergency crews on standby to deal with damage to the power network. Met Éireann has warned of possible wind gusts of between 130km/h and 150km/h in exposed places until midday tomorrow. The Status Red alert covers coastal and mountain areas of counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry. Schools advised to consider not opening in worst-hit areas The Department of Education has advised schools to consider not opening tomorrow where a Status Red wind warning coincides with times when students and staff are travelling to and from school. In Kerry, schools are being advised to stay closed as the county is expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Members of the public are being advised not to venture outside and to secure loose objects. Householders are also being advised to ensure they have an adequate supply of drinking water in the event of significant power cuts. Dozens of schools in the northwest and midlands closed today due to overnight snow and frost. Difficult driving conditions have also been reported in many areas across the country. Three Met Éireann weather warnings are in operation across the country. Along with the Status Red alert, a Status Orange wind warning is in place for the rest of the country with winds of 90-130km/h expected.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 22:59:59 +0000
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