The National Emergency Co-Ordination Group is warning Hurricane Lorenzo is likely to bring power outages, flooding and fallen trees.
Crisis teams are on standby around the country in preparation for Lorenzo, which is expected to be downgraded to storm force by tomorrow before making landfall on the West coast around midday.
Gusts of in excess of 130 kilometres an hour in coastal areas are forecast.
Latest Meteorologist Commentary updated at 1:30pmhttps://t.co/ktXtWjbfIg #Lorenzo pic.twitter.com/Ujc8ucrsow
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 2, 2019
A status orange wind warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick from 6pm tomorrow to 3am on Friday, while a status yellow wind and rain warning is in place nationwide between tomorrow evening and Friday morning.
The National Emergency Coordination Group met today in anticipation of the arrival of Strom Lorenzo.
It's issued the following advice:
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- High seas; the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
- Very strong winds are predicted which will make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.
- There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to spot flooding.
- Employers should plan today in conjunction with their employees to make arrangements taking account of anticipated travel conditions on Thursday evening into Friday. We advise people make arrangements taking any warnings into account when planning their journeys to or from work.
- People are urged to check on isolated or vulnerable neighbours and family members.
- People should be extra vigilant and aware of the risk potentially posed by trees in high wind events. The most widespread and potentially dangerous consequence of high wind is the risk of trees breaking/falling, possibly bringing down live power lines, posing a danger to motorists and pedestrians in the vicinity.
- People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
