Westmeath included in Storm Debi weather warning | Westmeath ...

The Met Éireann weather warning service has issued the following alerts for tonight.

Level: Orange

Type: Wind

Message: Unusually stormy on Sunday night and Monday due to Storm Debi with severe and damaging gusts.

Possible impacts:

- Damage to exposed and vulnerable structures

- Dangerous travelling conditions

- Disruption to services

- Damage to power lines

- Fallen trees/branches

Affected Regions: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath, and Wicklow

Issue Time: Sunday 12/11/2023 15:00

Expected Onset: Monday 13/11/2023 02:00

Expires: Monday 13/11/2023 10:00

------------

Level: Red

Type: Wind

Message: Extremely gusty on Sunday night and Monday due to Storm Debi with potential danger to life.

Possible impacts:

- Damage to exposed and vulnerable structures

- Disruption to services and transport

- Significant power outages

- Fallen trees/branches

Affected Regions: Offaly and Westmeath

Issue Time: Sunday 12/11/2023 15:00

Expected Onset: Monday 13/11/2023 05:00

Expires: Monday 13/11/2023 07:00

------------

Level: Red

Type: Wind

Message: Extremely gusty on Sunday night and early Monday due to Storm Debi with potential danger to life.

Possible impacts:

- Damage to exposed and vulnerable structures

- Disruption to services and transport

- Significant power outages

- Fallen trees/branches

Affected Regions: Clare, Galway, and Roscommon

Issue Time: Sunday 12/11/2023 15:00

Expected Onset: Monday 13/11/2023 03:00

Expires: Monday 13/11/2023 05:00

TFI Local link Services

following the issuing of the Red Weather Warning, the 819 service ex-Athlone 5.40am will not be operating – and that passengers travelling on any TFI Local link Services tomorrow should check their social media pages for updates.

Statement from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office

Public urged to be vigilant and prepare for severe weather conditions

The National Directorate for Emergency and Fire Management (NDFEM) called a National Emergency Coordination Group meeting today (Sunday 12 November 2023) with Met Éireann, the OPW, the local authorities, principal response agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations to prepare for Storm Debi which is expected to affect Ireland from the early hours of Monday 13 November.

Met Éireann advised that a Status Red Wind warning has been issued for Clare, Galway and Roscommon 2-5am and for Westmeath and Offaly between 5am and 7am tomorrow (Monday 13 November).

Status Orange Wind warnings have been issued for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary from 2am to 12:00pm on Monday.

Severe and damaging gusts are expected on Sunday night and Monday due to Storm Debi. Potential impacts include damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to services and damage to power lines.

There is also a Status Yellow Wind and Rain warning for the rest of Ireland due to Storm Debi, with very windy or stormy on Sunday night and throughout Monday, accompanied by heavy rain with a chance of embedded thunderstorms and hail.

Possible impacts include fallen trees or branches, localised flooding (including wave overtopping) and hazardous travelling conditions.

After the meeting, Keith Leonard, director-general of the NDFEM, said: “Given the challenging wind and rain conditions expected, I would urge members of the public to stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.

“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished. Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions.

"Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.

“With all issues in relation to transport tomorrow, people can expect lengthy delays and should check their travel plans in advance of setting out on their journeys. Public transport operators will provide updated information throughout the day. There is likely to be disruption across all ports and airports tomorrow.

“Given the disruption to travel networks, employers are asked to be flexible to those who will be disrupted getting to work tomorrow and consider the option of working from home.

“Importantly, I would remind people that it is critical that they never ever touch or approach fallen wires. Be sure to stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damaged electricity wires and, if you encounter any, do contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Where power cuts do occur, use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times.

“Everybody is encouraged to keep mobile phones charged and at hand in case of emergencies and to check for updates where necessary

“We will continue to monitor the ongoing weather conditions and ensure that all relevant state bodies are responding speedily and appropriately to meet any challenges. I would advise everybody to monitor national and local media, including social media, over the course of tomorrow to keep up to date with information regarding the developing weather situation.

“Above all, make sure you stay safe and keep in touch with vulnerable or elderly neighbours.”

ESB Networks

Customers can check estimated restoration times or report an outage on Powercheck.ie. Safety of public and crews is critical. ESB Networks will be making safe any faults which occur throughout the day and restoring supply remotely and on site when safe to do so.

Local authorities

Local authorities, the lead agencies for the response to severe weather events on the ground, have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Coordination Groups and have been meeting and co-ordinating preparation for the arrival of Storm Debi – including readiness for restoring road networks following any weather disruption.

Education

On the balance of risk and to ensure public safety all schools and preschools, are being asked to delay opening in orange and red counties until 10am tomorrow. School managers at local level will advise parents of any disruption to school services.

Transport

The Department of Transport is engaging with agencies and operators in preparation for any disruption to transport services and has initiated its severe weather protocol. The public are encouraged to use the relevant public transport provider websites to check for any disruption to services at local level.

Summary of advice

Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings

All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.

It is critical that people never ever touch or approach fallen wires, stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damage electricity wires, and contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times.

Check transport websites for updates

Check in on vulnerable neighbours

Keep mobile phone charged

The NDFEM Crisis Management Team continue to monitor developments, liaising with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Crisis Management Teams who are actively monitoring the evolution of the storm.