Cork weather: ESB estimate power restoration could take several days as Cork hospital appointments cancelled
Cork County Council has issued an urgent appeal to the public, advising people to stay at home throughout tomorrow as Storm Éowyn is set to bring “severe, damaging and destructive” gusts. Picture: Denis Minihane.
As a status yellow wind warning is set to kick in at 9pm, a West Cork Councillor says they are already seeing the beginnings of the storm in his area.
Finbarr Harrington, who lives on the tip of the Beara peninsula, told The Echo: “It’s starting to get bad here already, but people are heeding the warnings and planning to stay inside, they know this is going to be a bad storm.
“Usually you’d see some counties with orange or yellow warnings but the whole country is red this time – I’m right on the sea and I’ve seen boats heading for the harbour all day, so people are definitely concerned.” He added that once the storm had passed, it may take some time for damage to be assessed and addressed, saying: “It will all depend on the extent of the damage, how many trees and power lines are down, and if it will rain along with the wind.
During the recent snow, their power briefly went but was restored quickly, though he added that some parts around Mizen and Ballydehob were without power for longer as a transformer was blown.
He said: “Our ESB crews are great, their response crews and our own local authority have been busy the last month or two with one weather warning after another and flooding before that.
“Hopefully this passes and nobody gets injured, Ophelia in 2017 was borderline frightening – we hadn’t seen a storm like that in a long time, and the fear is that this one will be as bad or worse. Luckily it seems like it will pass rapidly enough.”
Cork’s Ger O’Dea from the National Ambulance Service issued advice ahead of the storm, saying: “Storm Éowyn is set to hit land in the early hours of tomorrow morning, bringing with it extremely high winds and damaging gusts that have been described as a serious threat to life.
“We are asking that you follow all guidance issued by the Irish government, local authorities and Met Eireann.
“We would also suggest preparing for all eventualities, protecting your homes and yourselves by tying down or stowing away any loose objects that may be in the garden, ensuring you have an adequate supply of food and water, a fully charged mobile phone and a light source that does not require a connection to an electricity supply as many power outages are expected.” Mr O’Dea continued: “In order to protect our staff, we are asking that you only dial 999 or 112 in an absolute emergency and where there is a risk to life.
“Finally, the aftermath of any storm can be an extremely hazardous time, so we are asking that you take extreme care and caution when venturing out of your homes as there may be many fallen trees or power lines, debris on road, localised flooding and damage to many structures.
“Please, if at all possible, stay at home and please do stay safe.”
Numerous flights into Cork airport tomorrow have been cancelled, as the Status Red (wind) weather warning will be in place from 2am to 10am.
The airport advised: “For the most accurate and up-to-date flight information, passengers are advised to contact their airline or refer to their airline website/mobile app.
“If your flight is impacted as a result of the weather warning, your airline will notify you directly in advance. Passengers are advised to check this before travelling to the airport.” They also warned that public transport/taxis will not be operating during the red weather warning. For the latest information on timetables and resumption of services, passengers are advised to refer to the relevant operators website.
Cork Airport will continue to monitor the situation and will post updates on social media as they occur.
The Status Red Warning coming into effect for Cork will impact services at the Mercy Hospital, with the Mercy Local Injury Unit, OPD, endoscopy, and non-urgent clinics to close.
The hospital shared: “To protect patients' loved ones, visiting is suspended.”
The Port of Cork Company will cease all vessel movements and pilotage operations to coincide with the Red warning timescale.
Suspension of pilotage service will commence from approximately 9pm or as sea conditions dictate. Pilotage will resume when sea conditions are deemed safe to undertake pilotage boarding.
All mariners are requested to update themselves on the current weather warnings, take appropriate actions for personal safety and ensure their craft or vessels are securely moored.
Gate operations will remain closed for duration of the red warning, with operations to be reviewed thereafter.
It is expected that gate operations may resume at 1pm Friday 24, however this event is an evolving situation which may impact further, operating hours throughout Friday, they warned, adding that a further update will be circulated on Friday mid-morning.
ESB Networks have issued an update ahead of Storm Éowyn, asking people across Cork to “stay clear” of fallen electricity wires.
The electricity provider has said that while the county braces for the status orange wind warning, which comes into effect from midnight, and the subsequent status red wind warning, coming into effect from 2am, customers should consider preparations in the event of losing their electricity.
As Storm Éowyn is predicted to bring very high winds, a spokesperson for ESB Networks has said that they are expecting to see “extensive damage” to electricity infrastructure.
While crews and partner contractors around the country are making preparations to respond to emergency calls, they will only be able to mobilise once the red warning has passed.
Once safe to do so, crews will assess any damage caused by the storm and will work to restore electricity supply as soon as possible.
Based on previous experience of similar windstorms, ESB Networks anticipates power restoration will take a significant number of days to complete, with estimated restoration times dependent on network faults being assessed. These will then be available to view throughout the weekend on www.PowerCheck.ie.
The service provider is further advising that customers have a full emergency kit at home, equipped with torches, spare batteries, and fully charged phones, and are also asking that customers have their MPRN number to hand, which is found on the top right corner of each electricity bill.
The spokesperson for ESB Networks additionally said that if anyone come across fallen wires or a damaged electricity network, to “never, ever touch or approach” as they are live and extremely dangerous.
Any damage to electricity infrastructure can be reported by calling 1800 372 999.
Cork University Hospital (CUH) has advised that there will be “significant disruption” to scheduled services tomorrow due to the Red Weather Warning issued by Met Éireann for Storm Éowyn.
In the interest of public safety and staff welfare, all outpatient, non-urgent clinics, and appointments scheduled for Friday 24 January are cancelled.
Patients do not need to contact the hospital regarding these cancellations. Impacted appointments will be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity, and CUH staff will contact affected patients directly with new arrangements.
A spokesperson for the hospital shared: “We strongly urge the public to heed the National Weather Warning and avoid unnecessary travel tomorrow. For appointments deemed essential, CUH staff will contact those patients directly to make arrangements.
“Cork University Hospital remains committed to providing critical emergency services. Patients requiring urgent emergency care are advised to attend their local Emergency Department.
“If travel is necessary, we encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution and prioritise safety on the roads.” They thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation, adding that further updates will be provided as required.
In light of the severe weather warnings associated with Storm Éowyn, Bon Secours Health System is implementing specific measures tailored to hospitals in each of its locations.
In Cork, essential services will remain operational, while non-essential services will be cancelled or rescheduled on an ad hoc basis, depending on weather developments.
These measures, in keeping with Government guidance, are to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients and staff. Patients impacted will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointments at the earliest convenience, minimising any disruption to their care.
Essential services will remain operational, with dedicated teams available to handle urgent medical needs. Contingency plans have been activated to address potential disruptions, ensuring continued support for critical cases.
They encourage patients, staff, and visitors to check www.bonsecours.ie and social media for up-to-date information and follow safety guidance issued by Met Éireann. Travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Bon Secours Health System is ensuring assistance for staff who need to remain on-site during the closure period.
They added: “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding as we navigate the storm’s national impact.”
The Status Red weather warning has caused the postponement of Cork District Court tomorrow January 24.
Cork District Court at Anglesea Street will not be sitting and nor will the Cork Children’s Court in Washington Street. Matters listed tomorrow in Court 1 at Anglesea Street and at the Children’s Court will now be listed for mention only on February 7 next.
Tomorrow’s scheduled sitting of Bantry Circuit Court sitting at Skibbereen will also not proceed, the list having been called over today at Skibbereen Circuit Court.
The Court Office in Anglesea Street, Cork will remain closed for the duration of the day.
The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to the public to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, and Stay Dry’ from all coastal regions during Storm Éowyn.
They advised that conditions around coastal regions, including cliffs, piers and beaches will be extremely dangerous during the Status Red and Status Orange conditions and in the days after.
Extremely dangerous, damaging and disruptive weather conditions are expected and the public are urged to ‘shelter in place’ during red warnings. A high surge advisory has been issued for all coasts, with wave overtopping expected in exposed low-lying coastal areas, especially on Atlantic coasts.
Status Red wind and marine storm warnings are also in place which will bring winds of force 10 and above.
The Irish Coast Guard remains ready to respond and will prioritises the safety of Coast Guard personnel and partner agencies during this Red weather warning. The Coast Guard appeals for the public to remain vigilant to the public safety alerts and weather updates across this period.
They added: “If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast or think that they are in trouble, use Marine VHF Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met this afternoon to discuss the Severe Weather Warnings associated with Storm Éowyn issued by Met Éireann.
The council has activated its Severe Weather Plan to prepare for the potential impact of the severe weather expected.
- Due to the multiple warnings, Cork City Council is advising the public:
- Do not go outside during the period that the Red Warning is in place.
- Do not make unnecessary journeys during the period of the Orange Warning. If you must travel, take care when doing so, as conditions may be hazardous and there may be debris on roads.
- Take care as structural damage may have occurred to buildings.
- Stay away from exposed quays, coasts, rivers and lakes.
- Stay away from any fallen electricity lines or trees.
- Charge mobile devices and ensure you have working a working torch to hand.
- Take measures to secure any loose outdoor items such as temporary structures, parasols, trampolines, etc.
- Secure any construction sites, including plant, materials, and fencing.
- Continue to monitor Met Éireann and Cork City Council social media and website for updates.
There is no river flooding predicted for Cork City during the period of the storm. No tidal flooding is expected within the city centre.
The City Council’s Customer Service Unit's (CSU) out of hours service will be available from 02:00 - 07:00 on Friday morning and can be contacted by calling 021-4966512.
Normal CSU services will be open from 07:00 - 18:00 on Friday and can be contacted by calling 021-4924000.
Emergency Services may be contacted by dialling 112 or 999, ESB Networks 24 Hour Emergency number is 1800 372 999 or 021 2382410, Public counters in Cork City Hall will be open after 12 noon on Friday.
Cork City Council’s Accommodation Placement Service office will open from 2.00 to 4.00pm on Friday, Public Parks will not open until after 12 noon pending a safety review on Friday morning. Mahon Golf Course will remain closed until Saturday morning, and Public Car Parks will be open after 12 noon on Friday.
Cork City Council is working with Cork Simon Outreach, Community Policing, Good Shepherd Services, De Paul Ireland and others to provide support to rough sleepers in the city.
From early today, outreach teams sought out and engaged with rough sleepers to make them aware of the warning and of the services available to them. For the duration of the Red Alert, Cork City Council has access to additional beds in multiple locations so that all rough sleepers can be facilitated, should they accept an offer of a bed.
Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and Operations crews will continue to monitor the situation.
Cork County Council has issued an urgent appeal to the public, advising people to stay at home throughout tomorrow as Storm Éowyn is set to bring “severe, damaging and destructive” gusts.
Cork County Council’s crisis management team convened this afternoon ahead of the red weather warning, which will come into effect from 2am tonight, following a status orange wind warning, which will be in effect from midnight until 4pm tomorrow.
A status yellow rain warning will also come into force at 9pm tonight, bringing heavy rain which may lead to localised flooding across Cork.
Council crews have been deployed to inspect key high-risk areas and will continue to monitor the situation throughout the severe weather event, with pumping arrangements in place in known problem locations.
The council’s crisis management team, as well as it’s severe weather assessment team (SWAT), will remain in place throughout the duration of the storm and in the immediate aftermath, with crews ready to mobilise across the county once the status red warning expires.
The council said it expects to receive a high volume of incident reports and phone calls, with incidents logged, assessed and prioritised on an ongoing basis throughout the duration of the storm and during the recovery phase.
Due to the severe weather, the M8 Blackwater Viaduct at Fermoy will be closed to traffic in both directions for the duration of the red weather alert.
Traffic will be diverted via the R639 through Fermoy town centre, with the closure expected to be in place from approximately 9pm tonight.
The M8 Blackwater Viaduct will re-open once it is safe to do so.
Motorists undertaking essential journeys can expect delays through Fermoy town for the duration.
Mallow Castle Grounds and Fermoy Town Park will also be closed to the public tomorrow due to the risk of fallen trees.
These facilities will be inspected for damage before being re-opened to the public.
The Dursey Cable Car will be available for use by islanders only today, and will be closed tomorrow and taken out of service.
A post storm technical inspection will need to be undertaken before it can return to service.
All Cork County Council facilities will remain closed tomorrow, including council offices, libraries, swimming pools, civic amenity sites and tourist facilities.
However, telephone lines and emails will be operational wherever possible.
Issues can be reported to the council’s emergency number (021) 480-0048.
In the event of an emergency, people can call 999 or 112 and request the fire service, ambulance service, gardaí or the Irish Coast Guard as appropriate.
The Department of Education has also issued an announcement stating that all primary and post-primary schools in red weather alert areas should remain closed for the duration of tomorrow.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has also advised that all national parks and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sites will be closed tomorrow, and will only be reopened following review of all conditions.
The council has further urged the public to stay away from coastal areas, as the Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
With the impending storm, there is a potential for wave overtopping and tidal flooding in low-lying, exposed Atlantic coastal areas.
The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted; with the public advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately.
ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.
There is also a significant risk of disruption to telecommunications infrastructure (both mobile and landline) across Cork, and it is important for the public to be aware of this risk.
Uisce Éireann has also advised customers to check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with them if any issues or concerns arise via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278.
With Storm Éowyn set to be one of the most severe storms Ireland has ever seen, several organisations across Cork have issued announcements detailing disruption to services.
In light of the status red weather warning, the HSE South West have said that while critical health services, including ambulances, emergency departments, dialysis, oncology treatment and prenatal care for pregnant mothers will continue to run, all non-urgent clinics and appointments in Cork and Kerry will be cancelled tomorrow.
This includes at-home appointments, which will be rescheduled “as soon as possible” via direct communications from the HSE.
HSE South West regional executive officer, Dr Andy Phillips said that every possible effort is being made to keep staff and patients safe while maintaining essential services.
“It is incredibly important that the staff and public stay safe during this period of extreme weather,” he said.
For further information on expected disruptions to HSE services, please see https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions.
A representative from Cork Opera House has said that planned performances for tomorrow evening have been rearranged for a later date.
"Due to a red weather warning issued by Met Éireann for tomorrow, in anticipation of Storm Éowyn, Mary Black's show at Cork Opera House has been rescheduled to next Wednesday, January 29, at 8PM.," the representative said.
“All tickets remain valid for the new date."
A spokesperson for Fota Wildlife Park has said that in the interest of safety the amenity will be closed for the duration of tomorrow.
“Fota Wildlife Park will close Friday due to the predicted extreme weather of Storm Éowyn,” the spokesperson said.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused - this decision is for the safety of our visitors and our animals and staff.”
Storm Éowyn has been described as one of the most severe storms Ireland has ever seen, as Met Éireann predicts “hurricane force” winds off the south coast.
At a press conference held this afternoon with the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG), which includes members of Government, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Met Éireann and other agencies, people have been advised to “shelter in place” as the country braces for impact.
The chair of the NECG, Keith Leonard said that forecasted winds will bring “severe conditions”, constituting a risk to life and property.
“The key message is to take preparatory actions; tomorrow is going to be extremely difficult even following from the red warnings,” said Mr Leonard.
“We would appeal to people to exercise common sense and good judgement for the next while.”
Chief hydrometeorologist at Met Éireann, Eoin Sherlock, said that Storm Éowyn is among “the most dangerous” storms that Ireland has faced, and is ranking at the “extreme end” of Atlantic storms.
“We have issued nationwide red wind warnings due to the extraordinary intensity expected from this storm,” said Mr Sherlock.
“Wind speeds at sea will be even greater, and coastal areas will be quite at risk – our inhabitants on the islands will have to take great care because we can expect hurricane force winds from Valentia to Erris Head to Fair Head.
“Everywhere is at risk - [but] coastal counties will probably feel the worst of that, we’re talking about extremely high winds.” Mr Sherlock further urged members of the public to exercise caution following the passing of the red weather event as orange wind warnings are likely to come into place across the country throughout the weekend, with expected impacts including high seas, weakened infrastructure, structural damage, disruption to travel and loss of power.
The NECG is continuing to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.
On the ground, local authority severe weather assessment teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and emergency response teams will be in place across Cork, ready to respond where and when necessary.
More information to follow.
Homeowners across Cork have been urged to prepare for power cuts ahead of Storm Éowyn, as the county braces for impact from the impending red weather event.
Both homeowners and pet owners are being reminded to take the necessary steps to keep themselves and their four-legged friends safe over the coming days, with Taoiseach Simon Harris reminding members of the public that the risk to life is “extreme and real.”
In a post shared on social media, Mr Harris said that Storm Éowyn is “dangerous, destructive [and] damaging,” and further urged people to remain vigilant by staying indoors and away from coastal areas.
I’ve been briefed on the storm hitting Ireland from midnight tonight.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) January 23, 2025
Storm Eowyn is Dangerous, Destructive & Damaging.
We cannot give a higher warning than nationwide RED. The risk to life is extreme and real. You need to pay attention. Do not travel. Do not go near the sea. pic.twitter.com/vMiYjpl9DQ
Before the warning comes into effect from 2am tonight, insurance brokers Gallagher Ireland and Petinsurance.ie have issued advice to people across Cork.
The advice ahead of Storm Éowyn is as follows:
Cut down or top any large trees which are very close to your home, as fallen trees can cause major damage to your property.
If there are any trees leaning on overhead electricity lines – or any broken or damaged branches hanging over or on electricity lines – people are advised to alert ESB Networks and are reminded that under no circumstances should anyone attempt to cut these trees or branches themselves.
People are reminded to ensure all windows are firmly closed to reduce the likelihood of breaking glass; to anchor their trampolines to ensure they do not blow away; to tie down any and all loose garden furniture; to secure any fencing; and to ensure that personal vehicles are stored in a safe place.
Additionally, people with flat roofs are urged to check for any wear and tear or damage – and to address any issues before the bad weather hits as loose tiles or damaged chimney pots can become larger issues during adverse weather conditions.
People are also reminded to have an emergency kit in their home inclusive of batteries, a torch, waterproof clothes, bottled water and food, in addition to having a fully charged mobile phone ahead of any unplanned powercuts.
With the potential for localised and coastal flooding, homeowners are also being reminded to check that all gutters and drains are clean and clear of any leaves or other debris; to put out sand bags if you are living in a flood plane area; to move valuables to higher places within your home; to park vehicles outside of flood zones if possible; to know where water, gas and electricity mains are should you need to turn them off or on at any stage; to check external walls and windows to ensure they are adequately water resistant; and if you are carrying out any building work on your house, to ensure electrical sockets are placed above the height which could be reached by floodwater.
Pet owners are also being advised to bring their animals indoors where possible for the duration of the storm, to ensure they are kept calm, comfortable and dry, and to make time for indoor play to keep pets occupied due to reduced walking or wandering abilities.
An Post have also said that there will be no postal deliveries or collections tomorrow, and that post offices will remain closed until it is safe to reopen.
The postal delivery service also advised that all social welfare benefit payments, usually payable at post offices on Friday, will be available on Saturday and next week.
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