Storm Debi: Public urged to be on alert to potential flooding and damaging gusts 

THE public has been urged to be on alert to potential flooding, hail, lightning, and “severe and damaging gusts”, as Storm Debi continues to sweep across the country.

A country-wide Status Yellow wind and rain warning was yesterday issued by Met Éireann, ahead of the storm.

It came into effect at midnight and, at the time of print, was expected to remain in place until 3pm today.

A Status Orange wind warning was issued last night for Cork. It came into effect at 1am and was set to remain in place for a three-hour period.

The national weather forecaster said possible impacts of the adverse weather could include localised flooding, hazardous travelling conditions, fallen trees, damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, damage to power lines and disruption to services.

Some counties, not including Cork, had been issued with a Status Red wind warnings.

Schools and preschools in counties under red and orange warnings had been asked to delay opening until 10am this morning.

Last night, after the orange warning was issued for Cork, a number of schools in the city and county contacted parents to advise of later openings today.

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment team convened last evening. 

In a statement issued last night, Cork County Council urged road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds.

"Driving conditions may be hazardous with surface flooding possible. Motorists are advised to drive with caution during heavy rain, not to drive through flood waters and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians," the statement said. 

It advised that Dursey Cable Car will be closed today and will return to operation only when wind speeds permit and following inspection if necessary. 

Updates will be available on @CorkCoCo social media.

"Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to the relevant local area office during working hours or contact the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048 (5pm-9am). Contact details for the Council’s Area Offices are available at www.corkcoco.ie or by contacting Cork County Council Headquarters on (021) 4276891 between 9am and 5pm," the statement added. 

A number of marine warnings were also issued by Met Éireann, including a Status Red storm warning, from Mizen Head to Valentia to Slyne Head.

'Extremely hazardous'

The director general of the National Directorate for Emergency and Fire Management, Keith Leonard, has advised people to stay away from coastal areas as conditions will be “extremely hazardous”.

“Given the challenging wind and rain conditions expected, I would urge members of the public to stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.

“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished. Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time," said Mr Leonard. 

“With all issues in relation to transport tomorrow, people can expect lengthy delays and should check their travel plans in advance of setting out on their journey. Public transport operators will provide updated information throughout the day. There is likely to be disruption across all ports and airports tomorrow.

“Given the disruption to travel networks, employers are asked to be flexible to those who will be disrupted getting to work tomorrow and consider the option of working from home."

Safety advice

“Importantly, I would remind people that it is critical that they never ever touch or approach fallen wires. Be sure to stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damaged electricity wires and, if you encounter any, do contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Where power cuts do occur, use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times," Mr Leonard added. 

“Everybody is encouraged to keep mobile phones charged and at hand in case of emergencies and to check for updates where necessary.

 “We will continue to monitor the ongoing weather conditions and ensure that all relevant state bodies are responding speedily and appropriately to meet any challenges. I would advise everybody to monitor national and local media, including social media, over the course of tomorrow to keep up to date with information regarding the developing weather situation.

“Above all, make sure you stay safe and keep in touch with vulnerable or elderly neighbours.”