Cork braces for 'severe and damaging gusts' ahead of Storm Isha

Members of the public are being advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes as strong winds caused by Storm Isha will sweep across Cork tomorrow.

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning that will come into effect at 5pm on Sunday and will remain in effect until 2am on Monday.

A Status Yellow wind warning will also be in effect for Ireland from 11am on Sunday to 4am on Monday.

Storm Isha will track to the northwest of Ireland on Sunday into Sunday night, bringing very strong winds and some heavy rain.

Cork County Council has said that strong southwest winds with severe and damaging gusts are forecasted together with large coastal waves and wave overtopping, very difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and possible damage to power lines.

A high tide advisory has also been issued and high waves, heavy rain and storm surge may lead to wave overtopping and the possibility of coastal flooding.

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened on Saturday in response to the weather warnings and to review preparations.

Council response crews and contractors are on standby and members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. People are urged to refrain from visiting mountainous areas.

Cork County Council has advised road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds with some spot flooding possible in any bursts of heavy rain.

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 from 5pm to 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.

Cork County Council has also advised that high winds may give rise to localised power outages and has asked those affected to contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.

In the event of a disruption to water supply, people are asked to contact Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.

In the event of an emergency people should call 999 or 112 and request the fire service, ambulance service, gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate.

Cork County Council is urging people to pay particular attention to: tying down loose items outside that cannot be brought in; having a torch, spare batteries and a battery radio ready; staying indoors and keeping pets in; clearing window sills and closing curtains to protect against flying glass; contacting relevant services if gas, electricity or water supplies are cut off; and connecting with family and neighbours especially people living alone.

Cork County Council said its Severe Weather Assessment will continue to monitor this situation.

Weather updates are available at www.met.ie and Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on this site and across the Council’s social media channels (@Corkcoco).

Meanwhile, Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team also met on Saturday afternoon.

Director of Operations David Joyce advised the public and business community to secure any outdoor furniture or equipment in gardens or on sites in advance of Sunday's alerts.

“In addition to the wind, there will be heavy rain tomorrow and we are asking road users to slow down, to travel with care and to allow more time for journeys. Motorists are also asked to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists also using the roads," he said.

“People travelling on Monday morning are also reminded to be alert to possible debris and spot flooding."

Cork City Council is not expecting any tidal flooding.