Red wind warnings for Westmeath and South Roscommon

Two red wind warnings are in place overnight for the Westmeath Independent region as Storm Debi approaches.

SEE LATER UPDATE HERE

A Status Red wind warning is in place for Clare, East Galway and South Roscommon between 3am and 5am, while a separate warning from 5am to 7am is in place for Westmeath and Offaly.

In total 19 counties are subject to either a red or orange warning at some stage during the night and morning.

Schools in those 19 counties are being asked to close until 10am.

TUS Athlone campus has confirmed it will not open until 10am and TUS has reminded students not to travel during the red warning.

Red Warnings

The Status Red wind warning for South Roscommon and East Galway and for Westmeath and Offaly been put in place due to predicted extremely gusty weather on Sunday night and early Monday with potential danger to life.

Possible impacts include damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, disruption to services and transport, significant power outages and fallen trees/branches

The warning for South Roscommon and East Galway covers from 3am to 5am, and from 5am to 7am for Westmeath and Offaly.

The areas are also included in a Status Orange warning for 19 counties including Westmeath, Roscommon, Offaly and Longford from 2am to 10am.

In these areas, during those times, Met Éireann said it will be unusually stormy with severe and damaging gusts. Possible impacts include damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to services, damage to power lines and fallen trees/branch

Meanwhile, the National Directorate for Emergency and Fire Management (NDFEM) called a National Emergency Coordination Group meeting today (Sunday) with Met Éireann, the OPW, the local authorities, principal response agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations to prepare for Storm Debi which is expected to impact Ireland from the early hours of Monday.

Speaking after the meeting, Keith Leonard, Director-General of the NDFEM advised the public:

“Given the challenging wind and rain conditions expected, I would urge members of the public to stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.

“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished. Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.

“With all issues in relation to transport tomorrow, people can expect lengthy delays and should check their travel plans in advance of setting out on their journey. Public transport operators will provide updated information throughout the day. There is likely to be disruption across all ports and airports tomorrow.

“Given the disruption to travel networks, employers are asked to be flexible to those who will be disrupted getting to work tomorrow and consider the option of working from home.

“Importantly, I would remind people that it is critical that they never ever touch or approach fallen wires. Be sure to stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damaged electricity wires and, if you encounter any, do contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Where power cuts do occur, use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times.

“Everybody is encouraged to keep mobile phones charged and at hand in case of emergencies and to check for updates where necessary

“We will continue to monitor the ongoing weather conditions and ensure that all relevant state bodies are responding speedily and appropriately to meet any challenges. I would advise everybody to monitor national and local media, including social media, over the course of tomorrow to keep up to date with information regarding the developing weather situation.

“Above all, make sure you stay safe and keep in touch with vulnerable or elderly neighbours.”

ESB Networks

Customers can check estimated restoration times or report an outage on Powercheck.ie. Safety of public and crews is critical. ESB Networks will be making safe any faults which occur throughout the day and restoring supply remotely and on site when safe to do so.

Local Authorities

Local Authorities, who are the lead agency for the response to severe weather events on the ground, have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Coordination Groups and have been meeting and co-ordinating preparation for the arrival of Storm Debi – including readiness for restoring road networks following any weather disruption.

Education

On the balance of risk and to ensure public safety all schools and preschools, are being asked to delay opening in orange and red counties until 10am tomorrow. School managers at local level will advise parents of any disruption to school services.

Transport

The Department of Transport is engaging with agencies and operators in preparation for any disruption to transport services and has initiated its severe weather protocol. The public are encouraged to use the relevant public transport provider websites to check for any disruption to services at local level.

Summary of advice

Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings

All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.

It is critical that people never ever touch or approach fallen wires, stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damage electricity wires, and contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times.

Check transport websites for updates

Check in on vulnerable neighbours

Keep mobile phone charged

The NDFEM Crisis Management Team continue to monitor developments, liaising with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Crisis Management Teams who are actively monitoring the evolution of the storm.