Donegal will be under a severe RED weather warning this Friday during Storm Éowyn, Met Eireann has confirmed.
A red alert for wind advises against all travel due to the threat to life posed by this ‘multi-hazard, dangerous and destructive’ storm.
Donegal is expected to be hit by “severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts” of over 130km/h throughout Friday morning and afternoon during the storm.
The red alert is in place from 6am Friday until 3pm that afternoon, meaning school closures and cancellation of public transport.
Forecasters are warning of the extreme risks of travel and work during this storm. There are likely to be power outages, impacts to communications networks, and structural damage. Coastal areas will experience flooding and wave overtopping.
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.
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.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group states that 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.
Widespread disruption to public and other services is to be anticipated.
Keith Leonard, Chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, said: “Storm Éowyn is going to 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.
“I would urge people 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’.”
The RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.
The strong gusts pose a significant risk to safety and the lifesaving charity is urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly along exposed cliffs, seafronts, piers and waterside paths.
Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI Water Safety Lead said: ‘Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially dangerous and uncertain conditions so we’re asking the public to stay vigilant. If you plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, the RNLI advises that you stay a safe distance from the water as conditions could knock you off your feet or wash you into the sea or water. A visit during weather conditions such as these is not worth risking your life for.
‘If you find yourself in trouble unexpectedly in the water, remember to Float to Live: lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are wet, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard / Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’
