Storm Darragh Status Orange Weather Warning extended ...

Met Éireann has extended a Status Orange wind warning for Waterford which comes into effect at 8pm this evening (Friday, December 6th) until 10am tomorrow (Saturday, December 7th).

Waterford will also be under a Status Yellow wind warning from 3pm today until 3pm tomorrow.

Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and strong and gusty northwest winds, potentially leading to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, damage to temporary structures, fallen trees, localised flooding, disruption to services and damage to power lines.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a virtual Met Éireann Technical Briefing this morning and is advising the public that Storm Darragh will be an impactful event and is expected to bring disruption throughout the night.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution during the duration of these weather warnings.

“Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and extremely strong and gusty winds, making for difficult travelling conditions.  We would advise the public to exercise caution and only travel if necessary. Motorists should slow down, allow extra time for journeys and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, branches and debris.

“With reduced visibility we would urge all motorists to be mindful of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians and be aware that high sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.”

Mr. Hynes also advised that outdoor items such as garden furniture, trampolines, waste bins and Christmas decorations should be secured or stored safely.

“There may also be a risk of wave overtopping so we would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas for the duration of these Met Éireann warnings,” Mr. Hynes added.

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary arrangements are put in place, with Council ground crews on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Key Public safety messages for Storm Darragh:

The public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g. cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ 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.

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