Tonight, Thursday 23rd, and tomorrow, Friday 24th of January, Ireland has been issued a status red weather warning with the arrival of Storm Éowyn.
We have been warned that this storm will cause significant damage and that it is crucial that everyone avoid unnecessary transportation until the storm is over, as it is estimated to be Ireland’s worst storm yet.
Gerry Murphy, Senior forecaster for Met Éireann, has told RTÉ that although this storm will contain rain it will be mainly a “wind event” that will cause destructive gusts of at least 130km/h winds. The entire country is under a status orange warning currently however the status red warning will be in effect for every county at different points over the day on Friday.
The Deputy Chair of Retail Excellence Ireland has warned people that there is no need to “panic buy” ahead of the weather conditions as the winds will be severe but the storm will be short and shouldn’t last past Friday.
It is currently estimated that the storm will last from 2am on Friday morning until 6pm Friday evening. The government are advising that everyone “shelter in place” and avoid leaving the house.
Status red weather warnings have many risks and impacts, they include:
- Danger to life
- Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
- Unsafe working conditions
- Disruption and cancellations to transport
- Many fallen trees
- Significant and widespread power outages
- Impacts to communications networks
- Cancellation of event
- Structural damage
- Wave overtopping
- Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas.
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The National Emergency Co-ordination Group confirmed that all primary and secondary schools, childcare facilities and all third level institutions within the red status weather warning areas are to close on Friday for the safety of the pupils.
There will be direct impacts on all forms of travel throughout the storm. Any unnecessary journeys should be avoided for your own safety. When it comes to flights, Dublin Airport has said that the storm may cause some disruption to the flight schedule on Thursday and Friday and advise all passengers to contact their airline directly to find out further information.
Dublin Airport has also said that they are in “close contact” with Met Éireann and other relevant authorities and will be posting flight schedule related information on their social media over the next few days.
The Shannon ferry which runs between Killimer in Co Clare and Tarbert in Co Kerry will not run tomorrow until 2pm. As well as this, public transport systems such as Dublin Bus, tram, school buses and train services will not be operating on Friday.
Employers are urged to allow their staff to work from home if possible however, this may pose an issue as there is expected to be significant wide spread power outages all over the country. It is recommended if possible to charge any device, cook any food and use any electrical appliance you may need ahead of the storm.
The Director of Communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Sean O’Neill, has urged “Do not, I repeat, do not go out during this event”. It is crucial we all stay in doors until the status red warning has cleared to remain safe.
