Update Storm Boelo: Donegal public urged to avoid non-essential travel

Donegal County Council is urging the public to take all necessary precautions as Storm Boelo brings severe weather conditions to the county this Bank Holiday weekend.

There was a Yellow Rain warning overnight which brought significant rainfall over last night and into today. Surface water flooding issues are reported in a number of areas. Rain will decrease in the coming hours and the wind will be a more significant feature over the next 24-48 hours.

A Status Orange Wind Warning is in place for Donegal from 2pm on Saturday, 24 October until 9am on Sunday, 25 October.

Met Éireann has warned of gale-force westerly winds with severe and damaging gusts, creating dangerous conditions and the potential for significant disruption.

ESB Networks has reported power outages in Glenties, Kilcar, Glencolmcille, Mountcharles and Convoy.

With the Status Orange Wind Warning at the upper end of the scale, Donegal County Council is advising the public not to travel while the warning remains in effect. Very difficult travelling conditions are expected, with risks including fallen trees, flying debris, localised flooding, reduced visibility, dangerous coastal conditions and possible power outages.

Potential impacts include damage to property and infrastructure; fallen trees and branches causing road blockages; power outages and damage to power lines; difficult and hazardous driving conditions; disruption to transport services; large coastal waves and localised coastal flooding and dangerous conditions for outdoor activities and for anyone near the coast.

Significantly, for Donegal there is a Red Marine warning in place from 7pm this evening until 6am tomorrow. Given the Red Marine warning our island communities and those on exposed coasts should shelter in place over the period of the Red Warning.

The public are also advised to stay away from exposed coastal locations, including beaches, piers, harbours, promenades and cliff walks, where wave overtopping and dangerous sea conditions may occur.

The Pier Car Park in Donegal Town will be closed from 4pm this afternoon until Monday morning and the Harry Blaney Bridge will be closed from this afternoon until tomorrow morning, with all traffic to divert via Milford .

Donegal County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team continues to monitor the situation in conjunction with Met Éireann, An Garda Síochána, emergency services and other key agencies.

The public are advised to avoid all non-essential travel during the Orange Warning period; secure loose outdoor items such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines and temporary structures; tay away from coastal areas and exposed shorelines; ever drive through flooded roads; be alert for fallen trees, debris and other hazards; stay clear of fallen power lines and report them immediately to ESB Networks and to monitor Met Éireann forecasts and official local authority updates.

The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for free emergency alerts at www.mapalerter.com/donegal and to follow Donegal County Council's social media channels for the latest weather-related information.

The public can monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.

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 in regards to power restoration times.

Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900. In the event of an out-of-hours emergency, the Council's Roads Service can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service, call 999 or 112.