Public urged to prioritise safety as historic storm poses 'severe threat', RSA says

Eva Osborne

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging the public to take extreme caution as a red weather warning has been issued for the "unprecedented and life-threatening" Storm Éowyn.

This is not a typical weather event, the RSA said, and it has the potential to be a significant and historic storm that poses a serious risk to life.

People are being urged not to travel on Friday during the red weather warning and to avoid unnecessary travel when it passes due to the extremely strong winds which will result in fallen trees and power lines, destruction to property, flying debris, and road blockages.

This could also lead to cancellation of events, wave overtopping, coastal flooding in low lying and exposed areas and unsafe working conditions as well as significant structural damage and disruption and cancellations to transport.

Met Eireann has issued a status red wind warning for 22 counties where Storm Éowyn will bring southerly gale force winds becoming westerly which will bring severe, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h.

Public safety is paramount, the RSA said, and everyone must act responsibly to protect themselves and others while reducing pressure on emergency services and crews, who will be dealing with and responding to the aftermath of this extremely dangerous and destructive storm.

If travel is not essential, stay indoors, secure property, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Coastal areas face dangerous storm surges and flooding, and under no circumstances should people put themselves at risk by engaging in storm voyeurism.

There is also an orange wind warning for Ireland as Storm Éowyn will bring gale force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/h widely, with even higher gusts for a time.

There is also a yellow rainfall warning in place for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford where heavy rain could lead to localised flooding.