Farmers urged to be 'extra vigilant' during Storm Éowyn
Farmers are being advised to be "extra vigilant and take precautions" during Storm Éowyn, particularly when working alone.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met today (Wednesday, January 22) as Status Red weather warnings have been issued for the majority of counties.
Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring "very dangerous and destructive winds" on Thursday night and Friday.
Met Éireann currently has now issued several Status Red weather warnings for the majority of the country on Friday (January 24).
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) said that a Status Red severe weather warning means "shelter in place".
People in the areas affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
The group "strongly advised" the public to keep up to date with Met Éireann forecasts and weather warnings over the coming days.
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.
According to the latest update from Met Éireann, a Status Red wind warning for Cork, Kerry and Limerick will be in place from 2:00a.m until 10:00a.m on Friday.
A Status Red wind warning for Clare and Galway will be valid from 3:00a.m to 12:00p.m on Friday.
A similar warning for Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo has been issued from 4:00a.m until 12:00p.m on Friday and for Donegal from 6:00a.m until 3:00p.m on Friday.
A Status Red wind warning for Cavan; Monaghan; Dublin; Kildare; Laois; Longford; Louth; Meath; Offaly; Westmeath; Wicklow; Roscommon and Tipperary will be in place from 6:00a.m until 12:00p.m on Friday.
Met Éireann said that in counties covered by the Status Red warnings, gale to storm force southerly winds, becoming westerly, will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130kph.
The conditions will pose a "danger to life", cause extremely dangerous travelling conditions, fallen trees, power outages and structural damage.
A Status Orange wind warning has been issued for the entire country from 2:00a.m until 5:00p.m on Friday.
As well as that, a Status Yellow rainfall warning for Cork, Kerry and Waterford will be valid from 9:00p.m on Thursday until 3:00a.m on Friday.
Keith Leonard, chair of the NECG, said Storm Éowyn will 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," he said.
People have been urged to stay away from coastal areas during this period
"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," Leonard said.
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.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately on 1800 372 999.
ESB 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.
On a precautionary basis, ESB Networks asked 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.
Uisce Éireann’s severe weather preparations have been activated. Customers can get in touch with any issues or concerns with the utility company's customer care centre at 1800 278 278.
