Laois County Council have issued a warning to people as Hurricane Ophelia is set to hit the county.
Hurricane Ophelia is expected to transition to a post tropical storm as it approaches our shores on Monday.
Mean wind speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130km/h are expected.
The winds have potential to cause structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding.
Current forecasts predict, in the south and along the east coast, wind values are likely to be in the high end of the orange scale but all parts of the country will be at risk.
In preparation for the arrival of the storm Laois County Council’s Extreme Weather Local Coordination group met earlier today and have put its emergency crews on standby.
Laois County Council advises as follows:
• All unnecessary travel should be avoided on Monday while the storm is passing.
• Very strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclist and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
• Given anticipated weather conditions, tomorrow should be no bike day.
• Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country, with contingency planning activated by the ESB. 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 1850 372 999
• Bus Éireann’s schools transport services will not be operating in counties covered by Red level warnings. Because of the duty of care owed to children and to avoid the risk arising from travelling, the Department of Education and schools is instructing all schools to act on the Departments advice. Crèches and Montessori facilities should also remain closed tomorrow.
• People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours today in advance of the oncoming severe weather conditions and again after the worst of the event has passed.
• People are advised to remove patio furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings, which can be turned into missiles by the wind.
Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Co-ordination Centre will be operational from approximately 12 Noon on Monday 16th October 2017 and all incidents should be reported to the Severe Weather Hotline -LoCall 1890 837 273.
Laois County Council will issue updates through its website and social media platforms.
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