Storm Darragh: Status Red extends to seven counties as timings updated, Christmas events postponed, public transport cancellations expected
Updated NDFEM statement on Storm Darragh following emergency meeting with Met Éireann
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and other stakeholders met again this afternoon to discuss and review the latest weather warnings in place for Storm Darragh.
Met Éireann has upgraded Wicklow to a Status Red wind warning from 1am – 6am on Saturday morning. Other red level warnings remain in place for Clare, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, covering Friday evening into Saturday morning. Orange wind warnings are in place for the rest of the country.
Storm Darragh is forecast to bring extremely strong, dangerously gusty north westerly winds.
The public are advised to not travel in areas where a red level warning is in place and to shelter in place during these times. Essential services operators will continue to operate services, where it is safe to do so, subject to prevailing local conditions.
A Status Yellow rain warning is also currently in place for nine counties for Friday and Saturday morning, which could lead to localised flooding in those areas.
The NDFEM is continuing to liaise with Met Éireann and is monitoring the situation. Local Authorities will also continue to monitor conditions locally with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) ready to respond where and when necessary.
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, advised the public:
“Storm Darragh is forecast to bring damaging winds and very dangerous travelling conditions. The advice to the public is not to travel at all in areas where a red warning is in place.
“I’m conscious that we are in Christmas party season, so it is particularly important that anyone planning a night out is aware of the forecasted conditions in their area. Please check public transport services in areas where a red or orange level warning is in place noting that public transport operators may curtail services based on local conditions. We are likely to see some of the most dangerous winds from 10pm tonight into the early hours.
“It’s also vitally important that anyone organising events during this period of severe weather monitor updates from Met Éireann for the duration of Storm Darragh.
“Travelling conditions will be very hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles.
“I would also urge the public 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’.”
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. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie regarding power restoration times.
People are advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and also to monitor Met Éireann forecasts and / or visit www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
