Storm Austen: Limerick residents urged to prepare for what's coming

LIMERICK City and County Council is encouraging members of the public to stay informed, take sensible precautions and check the latest weather information when making plans for the Bank Holiday weekend as Limerick braces for the arrival of Storm Austen.

Limerick is currently included in a nationwide Status Yellow warning for rain and wind, valid from 7pm this Thursday, October 22 until 10am on Friday, October 23.

A council spokesperson said: “Storm Austen is a dynamic weather event and forecasts may be updated as its precise track becomes clearer. While the current warning for Limerick is at Status Yellow, localised impacts are possible and members of the public are advised to continue monitoring official updates.

“The council’s Severe Weather Alert Team (SWAT) has met to assess the developing situation and coordinate preparations across relevant services.”

The statement continued: “Strong and gusty northwesterly winds are forecast to develop overnight on Thursday into Friday. With many trees still in full leaf and ground conditions wet, there is an increased risk of fallen trees and branches in some locations.”

Council crews, including Limerick Fire and Rescue Service personnel, are prepared to respond to incidents where required and when it is safe to do so.

Members of the public are advised to be alert for fallen trees, branches and other debris on roads and footpaths overnight tonight and into Friday morning.

The council is advising that people should not attempt to move or clear fallen trees themselves. Fallen trees may be in contact with overhead electricity lines, while other trees or branches nearby may remain unstable.

If you encounter fallen electricity lines, do not approach or touch them. Keep well clear and contact ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999. Where there is an immediate danger to life, call the emergency services on 112 or 999.

As a precaution, people are also encouraged to secure loose outdoor items, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, signage and temporary structures.

The main impacts directly associated with Storm Austen are expected overnight tonight into Friday morning. Further spells of rain and wind are forecast at times across the Bank Holiday weekend and into early next week.

The council spokesperson added: “This additional rainfall may lead to localised surface-water flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, locations with a history of flooding and places where drainage systems come under pressure.

“Fallen leaves can also block gullies and drains, increasing the possibility of localised flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

“The council has water pumps and stocks of sandbags available for deployment, with resources on standby in areas identified as potentially being at risk.”

Road users should never drive through a flooded road. Flood water may be deeper than it appears and can conceal debris, hazards or damage to the road surface.

Anyone travelling on Friday morning or during periods of heavier rain over the weekend is encouraged to:

• Allow some additional time for journeys.
• Reduce speed and increase the distance from the vehicle in front.
• Be alert for surface water, fallen branches and debris.
• Take particular care in areas affected by strong crosswinds.
• Check local traffic and weather updates before setting out.

“Limerick will be a hive of activity over the October Bank Holiday weekend, with Halloween in Limerick activities and a wide range of other events taking place across the city and county,” the spokesperson said.

“People are encouraged to enjoy all that Limerick has to offer while keeping an eye on weather conditions and allowing additional time for journeys where necessary.

“Anyone planning to attend an event should check with the relevant organiser before travelling, particularly if adverse weather affects a specific location. Event organisers will communicate any changes to times, venues or arrangements through their usual channels.”

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Members of the public can take some straightforward precautions:

• Keep mobile phones and portable power banks charged.
• Ensure torches are working and spare batteries are available.
• Secure or store loose outdoor items.
• Avoid parking beneath trees during periods of strong wind where possible.
• Check on older or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.
• Keep essential medication and necessary supplies readily available.
• Monitor weather warnings and local authority updates.
• Never approach fallen trees that may be in contact with electricity lines.

Weather-related incidents affecting public roads or public areas can be reported to:

Limerick City and County Council061 556000, available 24 hours

ESB Networks emergency and loss of supply line1800 372 999, available 24 hours

Visit www.powercheck.esbnetworks.ie for updates on power outages in your area.

Uisce Éireann urgent water and wastewater issues1800 278 278, available 24 hours

Where there is an immediate danger to life or public safety, call 112 or 999.

Members of the public should continue to monitor updates from Met Éireann, Limerick City and County Council and other official sources, as weather forecasts and warning levels may change.

Further information on preparing for severe weather is available at gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady.