WEATHER bosses have issued a major “stay at home” update amid status red warnings as Storm Bert to sweep the country.
Met Eireann has issued a red rain warning for two counties overnight, with an orange in place six and yellow for the remainder of Ireland.
The entire country has been place under a weather warning[/caption]
Cork and Galway are the worst hit by weather warnings[/caption]
A status red rain warning is in place in Galway and Cork from midnight until 10am on Saturday.
A status orange rain warning for Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim is set to be in place for the same time.
The rest of the country will be under a status yellow rain warning from 10pm tonight 12pm tomorrow.
Donegal is under a yellow snow and ice warning also during this time, while a yellow wind warning is valid for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Wicklow from 5pm tomorrow until 2am on Sunday.
‘STAY AT HOME’
With heavy rain and a potential threat of snow setting in, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has issued a stark warning.
Met Eireann are predicting that these major weather warnings will bring localised flooding, travel disruption and fallen trees.
The public are being reminded to “shelter in place” once Storm Bert emerges and to prepare in advance.
The public safety announcement has said that people should have their mobile phones fully charged in case of a power outage in order to allow for communication.
It is also being advised that you should never drive through flooded roads and to keep in mind the depth of any water ahead.
The public are being urged to keep tabs on Met Eireann’s website in order to stay up to date with any changes in conditions.
STAY VIGILANT
The ESB is also reminding the public that fallen live wires and cables, and if you come across one, it is important to report it immediately.
National Director of the NDFEM, Keith Leonard said: “It is quite clear that we will have challenging weather conditions at local level in many counties in the west and south west.
“Local Authority severe weather teams are activated and are preparing for the storm’s approach.”
Urging everyone to avoid travel during the times of the weather warnings, he reminded the public that the conditions could change quickly.
He said: “For those in areas affected by red level rain and wind warnings, I would particularly stress that the safest advice for those affected is to shelter in place and do not travel during the duration of the warning.
“As weather events are changeable ones, members of the public should monitor Met Éireann’s ongoing advice and act accordingly. Essential Service Operators will link with Met Éireann aiming to continue operations subject to the prevailing local conditions.”
FALLEN TREES & FLOODING
Fallen trees and road flooding still pose a risk even after a storm has passed, with Leonard expressing to the public to remain vigilant.
He continued: “Even after the storm has passed, there is a strong possibility of road flooding or fallen trees so drivers are urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm.
“For all members of the public, whatever part of the country you are in, rain and winds will be a factor overnight and early tomorrow.
“I would urge you 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’.
“Also, dangerous travelling conditions are possible and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.”
SNOW WARNING
As Storm Bert approaches, heavy rain on Saturday morning could bring a potential risk of snow in Donegal, Derry and Tyrone.
This could be a much more likely case on higher ground in these counties.
The Donegal Weather Channel also shared that some parts of Connacht could also see heavy snowfall, which could last between three to five hours.
Any predicted snow will clear later on Saturday, turning to heavy rain as temperatures rise.
Donegal Weather Channel warned: “Anyone travelling between 10pm to 5am Saturday morning should be in these areas should be very careful. Any snow would melt quickly as the snow turns back to rain.
“I would not be surprised of Donegal is upgraded to a orange rain/snow/ice warning this evening.”
