Storm Éowyn: What you need to know and live updates

Rolling updates regarding important information as Cavan and neighbouring counties brace themselves for Storm Éowyn.

7:15pm:

We'll be back on here first thing in the morning- if broadband and electricity allows it- to keep our readers up to date on all the breaking news and important updates regarding Storm Éowyn.

7pm:

Our very own Gerard 'WordSmith' Smith shares his thoughts.

6:30pm:

6pm:

Glad someone is enjoying the build up. Roads into Cavan Town today were choc-a-block with traffic, and many supermarkets were busier than usual with those stocking up on provisions and planning to batter down the hatches tomorrow.

5.15pm:

Power OUTAGES

ESB detail that as of 5:15 pm, approximately 17,000 homes, farms and businesses remain without power, predominantly in counties Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.

We anticipate power restoration will continue for a number of days in worst affected areas due to the hazardous weather conditions and accessibility challenges.

Real-time information on power outages and estimaged restoration times are being continously updated on www.PowerCheck.ie.

Stay Safe, Stay Clear of fallen electricity wires, and be particularly mindful of fallen lines that may be under snow. Report any damage to the network by calling 1800 372 999.

4:40pm:

While critical health services will continue, the message to the public is not to travel to appointments tomorrow, Friday.

4:30pm:

Uisce Éireann

Uisce Éireann’s severe weather preparations have been activated. Customers can check their website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. People can also sign up online to free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - go to the Uisce Éireann website.

4:20pm:

Update for our friends and readers in neighbouring Fermanagh, because as we know the wind doesn't just stop at Aghalane.

4:15pm:

Met Éireann said there will be a danger to life and extremely dangerous travelling conditions in those counties on Friday morning.

4:10pm:

The worst of Storm Eowyn is expected to hit early on Friday morning, with gusts of winds reaching up to 130kph, including inland.

4:05pm:

Power connections and outages

ESB Networks crews and partner contractors around the country have been making the necessary advance preparations, with all available resources on alert for the onset of Storm Éowyn. ESB Networks continually monitor the latest forecasts and real time events on the electricity network and will deploy crews to restore supply when it is safe to do so.

On a precautionary basis, ESB Networks would like to ask customers to consider preparations in the event of losing their electricity supply if their area is affected. This includes having torches, spare batteries, fully charged phones and their MPRN number (found on the top right corner of each electricity bill) to hand. More information is available here: Be Prepared.

An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.

For more details follow HERE.

3:55pm:

Homeless services

With regard to rough sleepers, Cold Weather Initiatives are in operation across all local authorities to provide additional emergency beds for rough sleepers where needed – ensuring that additional temporary beds can be brought into use across a range of existing services and facilities, for singles and couples who need them during periods of cold weather.

Outreach teams will be working to make contact with rough sleepers in advance of the severe weather. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) for instance has a free app which enables members of the public to alert them to the location of anyone sleeping rough, so that outreach teams can make contact with them.

3:50pm:

Schools, early learning and childcares settings and further and higher education institutions in red level warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.

Employers in red warning areas should facilitate working from home for all employees who can do so. Only emergency service workers should be leaving home for work, where directed by their employer.

Widespread disruption to public and other services is to be anticipated.

Primary and post-primary schools

All primary and post-primary schools in red warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.

Early learning and childcare settings

Early learning and childcare settings in red warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.

Further and higher education

All Further and higher education institutions in red warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning

3:45pm:

An Garda Síochána warns all members of the public that a Status Red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’.

People in areas during the times affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.

3:40pm:

In light of the red weather warning for Friday from Met Eireann, Insurance Ireland is advising policyholders on steps to take to minimise the risk of damage from this storm, as well as advice for motorists to heed the warnings during severe weather events and avoid any unnecessary journeys.

3:35pm:

Cancellations of events are expected across the country, with the threat of structural damage, wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas.

3:30pm:

3:25pm:

Storm Éowyn will bring extremely dangerous and damaging winds on Friday, January 24, in what many predict will be an “extremely damaging and dangerous” storm event.

Public transport does not operate in a red warning. Transport operators will make an assessment on when services can resume when the red warning is lifted.

Air and ferry passengers seeking updates regarding specific flights or ferry crossings, should contact their airline or ferry operator directly.

3:20pm:

Public office and amenity closures include all library branches, Cavan Motor Tax office, Cavan County Museum, Bridge Street Centre, Cavan Digital Hub, Ramor and Townhall Arts Centres, Cavan Leisure Centre, Cavan Burren Park and Civic Amenity sites at Corranure, Ballyconnell, and Bailieborough.

3:15pm:

Advice for Driving in storm conditions

The Road Safety Authority has the following advice for road users:

· Consider whether your journey is absolutely necessary. Do not drive during Status Red wind warnings.

· Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.

· Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.

· If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route. Do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.

· Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.

· After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.

· Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.

· Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.

· Watch out for falling / fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.

· Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds

· Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

· Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists, and motorcyclists:

· Seek shelter during a status red wind warning. Do not travel during these conditions. It's also advised to not make unnecessary journeys during a status orange warning.

· Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

· Make extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions, as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

· Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike. Consider wearing high visibility material.

· Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths. For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

3:11pm:

3:10pm:

National Emergency Co-ordination Group meets as red weather warnings issued and very severe weather expected.

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met today (Wednesday) as red level weather warnings have been issued for some counties and Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring very dangerous and destructive winds on Thursday night and Friday.

Read more HERE.

3:05pm:

Advice for householders

· During any status red wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place and to not go outdoors or undertake any journeys.

· The public are advised to limit travel to essential in areas where an orange level warning is in place.

· Ensure any large items such as lawn furniture or trampolines are secured

· Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country.

· The public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile devices are fully charged in advance to enable communication.

· The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. · If you smell gas, call Gas Networks Ireland's emergency number at 1800 20 50 50.

· Charge all devices and any battery packs, and have a torch or candles to hand

· People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours in advance of the oncoming severe weather and again after the worst of the event has passed.

· Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie

3pm:

Council issues Storm Éowyn status Red Warning

· Public urged to stay at home

· Council offices to close

· Severe Weather Plan activated – staff on standby

Storm Éowyn will bring extremely dangerous and damaging winds on Friday 24th January in what will be an "extremely damaging and dangerous" storm event.

Met Éireann has issued a status red wind warning from 6am until 11am on Friday, 24th January for County Cavan. Either side of that period, an orange wind warning will be effective for the entire country from 00:01am until 5pm on Friday.

Storm Éowyn will bring gale force winds, including severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/hr.

Possible impacts caused by high winds include:

· Risk to life

· Fallen trees

· Dangerous travel conditions

· Unsafe working conditions

· localised flooding

· Damage to power lines

· Debris, loose objects displaced, falling roof tiles

· Damage to already-weakened structures

Public safety advice

strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, for example: cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris

there is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations

driving conditions will be hazardous. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving

the electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication

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 the PowerCheck website in regards to power restoration times

monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit the Met Éireann website for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources