The Love Drogheda BID office will be closed on Friday 24th January due to the Red Weather Alert in place for Storm Éowyn. Our staff will be working from home and if you have any queries, you can contact us at hello@lovedrogheda.ie.
We have been requested to circulate the following advice to our members
The National Emergency Coordination Group met this morning.
A Red Level wind warning for Louth will be in place from tonight to tomorrow morning, currently Friday 00:00hrs to 11:00hrs but subject to change.
The public are advised to shelter in place.
The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging gusts, which will constitute a risk to life and property.
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”.
There is a potential for wave overtopping and tidal flooding in low-lying, exposed Atlantic coastal areas. In addition to this, the Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised surface flooding, which may prevail into Saturday.
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.
The Public are advised not to travel during a Red Weather Alert.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ forthe most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) 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 372999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie with regard to power restoration times.
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 278278. 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
MET Eireann’s Forecast office will be available 24/7 at 01 8064255 to provide advice to decision makers across the emergency response agencies.
Please send updates to cmt@housing.gov.ie
Louth County Council can be contacted out-of-hours on a ‘24/7’ telephone service at: 042933 5457
Other information in relation to the storm period
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
Road safety advice
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging the public to take extreme caution as a Red Weather Warning has been issued.
People are being urged not to travel on Friday with extremely strong winds which will result in fallen trees and power lines, destruction to property, flying debris, and road blockages.
Where people have to use the roads the following advice is being given on foot of the weather warnings:
- 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. Don't 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 people cycling and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds
Advice to road users (pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists)
- walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths
- people cycling 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
- take 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
- 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
Power
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.
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) 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.
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 their24/7 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.
Farmers and agriculture
Farmers are advised to be extra vigilant and take precautions during stormy conditions, particularly when working alone.
