Met Éireann has issued a Status Red Wind Warning and a Status Orange Wind Warning for Galway today.
Status Red: Wind Warning
Storm Darragh: Extremely strong and gusty northwest winds.
Impacts:
• Fallen trees
• Damage to power lines
• Dangerous travelling conditions
• Structural damage to temporary structures
• Wave overtopping
Valid: 22:00 Friday 06/12/2024 to 02:00 Saturday 07/12/2024
Issued: 09:49 Friday 06/12/2024
Status Orange Wind Warning is also in place for Connacht.
Valid: 20:00 Friday 06/12/2024 to 10:00 Saturday 07/12/2024
Issued: 08:30 Friday 06/12/2024
Met Eireann advises to public ‘to shelter in place’ during red weather alerts.
Please see Met.ie for updates in relation to this alert.
Local Actions:
The Galway City interagency group met this afternoon to review the forecast and potential impacts/ actions.
Car Parks Closed:
Due to potential coastal over topping, the car parks are closed:
- Ballyloughane (local access only)
- Silverstrand
- Tofts Car Park, Salthill
- Salthill prom car park
Sandbags
Sandbags will be available at:
- Spanish Arch
- Fire station, Father Griffin Road
- Seapoint, beside the Aquarium in Salthill
Dynamic road closures may occur.
Our crews are monitoring the situation and are on standby.
Galway City Council out of hours customer service number can be contacted at 091 536 400.
Key Public safety messages for Storm Darragh
- Red Warnings: the public are advised to not travel in areas where a red level warning is in place and to shelter in place during these times. Essential services operators will continue to operate services where it is safe to do so subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
- Public advised to not travel and to shelter in place in areas where a red level warning is in effect. Those planning a night out advised to be aware of their local forecast and make decisions accordingly.
- High seas: the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
- Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.
- There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.
- People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- 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 www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.