Emergency services are urging the public to ‘shelter in place’ for their safety during Storm Éowyn tomorrow.
The ‘multi-hazard’ weather event will strike the entire country throughout Friday, bringing dangerous and destructive wind gusts and a threat to life.
Storm Éowyn will also bring heavy rain followed by showers, potentially leading to localised surface flooding.
Gardaí are warning people in areas to stay indoors during the period of red alert, avoid unnecessary travel, stay back from the coast and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
“Today is the time to be a community, to check on isolated and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. Please ensure that they are aware of and prepared for this storm event,” a garda spokesperson said.
Gardaí are pleading with members of the public not to put themselves or members of the emergency services at risk.
“An Garda Síochána and our colleagues in the other blue light emergency services will be on duty but depending on local weather conditions may not be in a position to respond to help during the height of Storm Éowyn, subject to dynamic risk assessments.”
Weather Alerts
The red level warning comes into force for Donegal from 7am Friday until 2pm that afternoon.
All counties in Ireland are under an orange warning from midnight tonight until 4pm Friday.
A status yellow wind warning will follow for Donegal from 4pm until 11pm Friday.
People are advised to be aware that dangers will persist after the storm has passed. There will be fallen trees, structural and other unexpected debris, and fallen or damaged live electricity wires in many areas across the country. Trees and structures may be unstable.
Gardaí are appealing to every person using the roads after the weather warnings and over this coming weekend, to ‘Slow Down, Expect the Unexpected and Stay Safe’.
HSE Cancellations
HSE West and North West is advising that there will be significant disruptions to health services tomorrow, with all HSE services and appointments cancelled. This will include all Out Patient Appointments, Day Service appointments, electives and community clinics. Primary Care Centres will be closed tomorrow, Friday.
Patients are advised not to travel to the hospitals unless absolutely necessary. The hospitals are putting arrangements in place to ensure the continuation of essential services for chemotherapy and dialysis patients as well as those coming in for urgent surgery.
Community Support
People are being asked to check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours to make sure they are prepared by helping to secure loose objects, ensuring their phones are fully charged and that they have the shopping and medication they need. Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, said: “During times of severe weather, it’s important to look out for one another. By checking on elderly neighbours and helping them prepare, we can ensure that everyone remains safe.”
Council Notices:
Harry Blaney Bridge will close from 12am – 5pm this Friday.
The Donegal Town Pier Carpark will be closed from midnight tonight until 7pm Friday 24th January.
Donegal County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team is monitoring the incoming storm. The Roads Service, Fire Service and Civil Defence crews are at a heightened state of readiness in the event of local responses being required during this storm event, however staff will only be deployed during the period of the red warning in instances with an immediate threat to life.
The council is asking all businesses across the county to remove all sandwich boards and free-standing signage from public areas in the interest of public safety.
Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out-of-hours emergency the Council’s Road Service/Housing Department can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
ESB
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. In regards to power restoration times.
Water Services
Uisce Éireann has activated its incident management processes, including deploying generators at key sites where power outages are likely. Uisce Éireann crews will mobilise and assess any damage to plants as soon as safe to do so and work to restore supply as quickly as possible.
