Public warned to take precautions as Storm Darragh to bring strong winds and heavy rain

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and other stakeholders met this afternoon to discuss the current weather warnings in place for Storm Darragh. 

Storm Darragh is forecast to bring heavy rain and very strong, gusty northwest winds. Status Orange wind warnings are place for several counties, particularly along the western seaboard, on Friday and into Saturday, which could lead to fallen trees, damage to power lines and very difficult travelling conditions.

A Status Yellow wind warning will be in effect for the whole country during Friday and into Saturday. 

A Status Yellow rain warning is also currently in place for nine counties for Friday and Saturday morning, which could lead to localised flooding in those areas.  

The NDFEM is continuing to liaise with Met Éireann and is monitoring the situation. Local Authorities will also continue to monitor conditions locally with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) ready to respond where and when necessary.

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Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place:

Status Yellow – Rain warning for Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath

Valid: 10am Friday – 10am Saturday 

Status Yellow – Wind warning for Ireland

Valid: 3pm Friday – 3pm Saturday 

Status Orange – Wind warning for Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal

Valid: 10pm Friday - 9am Saturday 

Status Orange – Wind warning for Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow

Valid: Saturday, midnight – 9am. 

PUBLIC ADVICE

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, advised the public:

“Most of the country will be impacted by strong winds and everyone should take extra care. In particular, this storm may bring dangerous travelling conditions.

“Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles, and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.

“There is also potential for localised flooding in some areas, so it’s important to remember to never drive through flooded roads, as the depth of the water can be deceiving. 

“I would also urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’.” 

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999.

The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie regarding power restoration times.

People are advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and also to monitor Met Éireann forecasts and / or visit www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information.

Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.