Flood defences have been bolstered, the ESB are on standby for power cuts while holiday makers in coastal areas have been issued with a warning.
So say the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) Crisis Management Team after their meeting this morning to assess the updated forecast from Met Éireann regarding Storm Ellen.
The unseasonable storm which will track over Ireland on Wednesday night and during Thursday, is due to bring a period of severe and potentially damaging winds.
Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams were advised yesterday to actively monitor Met Éireann and OPW forecasts during this period of unsettled weather and to consider activation of Crisis Management and Local Co-ordination arrangements, where deemed necessary.
The NDFEM Crisis Management Team have followed up with calls today to coastal counties advising of potential for coastal flooding and very high winds along exposed coasts.
Local authorities are preparing for Storm Ellen, deploying temporary flood defences and putting response staff on standby. Local authorities will be providing public safety advice based on the local conditions.
NDFEM say: “Trees are in full leaf, with the potential for significant numbers of trees to fall blocking roads and damaging power lines.
“ESB Networks are preparing for significant power outages with staff on standby to repair faults in all areas.
“The Irish Coast Guard, An Garda Síochána and local authorities are relaying public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Éireann in advance of the arrival of Storm Ellen.
“The NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to co-ordinate with all local authorities and other response agencies.”
The group have also provided five key public safety messages:
1 – This is an exceptional storm for August – people should take account of Met Éireann weather warnings affecting their location.
2 – Many people are on holidays at coastal locations. Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.
3 – All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
4 – As conditions will vary people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their local authority.
5 – 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 the ESB on 1850 372999.
According to local weather forecaster Cathal Nolan, Laois is likely to see wind speeds of between 130-150km/h associated with Storm Ellen.
He said: “Storm Ellen is currently undergoing rapid cyclogenesis to the southwest of Ireland and will continue to deepen on approach.
“Violent winds are expected to make landfall on the south coast around midnight tonight before transferring countrywide for a time before easing during tomorrow morning.
“Weather warnings will update during the day with Status Red Weather Warnings requires across the south, southeast and south midlands.
“The strongest winds associated with Storm Ellen will affect Cork, Waterford and Wexford where winds near coastal areas could well gust up to 185 km/h. Further inland across counties Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Dublin winds may reach between 130-150 km/h for a time.
“Across the rest of the country winds will generally reach between 100-110 km/h. Such violent winds are likely to have significant consequences.
“Significant disruption to power services across the south, southeast and south midlands seems highly likely. Transport services during the hours of the storm are likely to be disrupted or temporarily cancelled.
“Travel in general is not advised during the peak of the storm between midnight and tomorrow morning. As well as the exceptionally strong winds there will also be heavy thundery falls of rain leading to further dangerous driving conditions.
“There is a high risk of coastal and river flooding as a result of damaging onshore winds, high spring tides, and swollen rivers.
“Cities such as Cork and Waterford in particular are at risk, with traffic restrictions and diversions already in place across many areas of the cities.
“Rainfall totals of between 15-30 mm will also lead to a renewed risk of localised flooding across the south of the country in particular.
“Storm Ellen is likely to become a significant meteorological event and has the potential to become a deadly storm.
“If you are camping or caravanning in the red zones then please ensure you are secure against the forecast damaging winds or try to relocate to a more secure area.
“Please avoid travel during the peak hours of the storm and pay close attention to weather warnings throughout the course of today.
“I will have further updates throughout the day and if you require any further information on Storm Ellen then please feel free to message the page, email me at cathalgnolan@gmail.com or WhatsApp/Call me on 0879723300”
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