Storm Lorenzo – Limerick’s emergency services closely monitoring storm developments

  • Storm Lorenzo
  • Tropical Storm Lorenzo
  • Severe Weather Action Team and the Local Co-ordination Group met earlier today to discuss preparations for the arrival of Strom Lorenzo.

Joint statement on behalf of Limerick City and County Council, HSE Mid West, An Garda Síochána: The Severe Weather Action Team and the Local Co-ordination Group met earlier today to discuss preparations for the arrival of Strom Lorenzo. Met Éireann has issued an ORANGE Wind Warning for Limerick along with Cork, Clare, Kerry, Galway and Mayo.

The warning is valid between Thursday 03 Oct from 6pm to Friday 04 Oct at 3am. Southwesterly winds veering westerly will reach mean speeds 65 to 80km/h with gusts generally of 100 to 130km/h, higher in coastal regions. Storm surges will produce coastal flooding and damage.

In addition, there are two YELLOW warnings from wind and rain affecting the whole country.

  • YELLOW Wind Warning for Ireland valid from Thursday 03 Oct at 9am to Friday 04 Oct at 6am - Southeasterly winds later veering southwesterly will reach mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts to 100km/h resulting in some disruptive impacts.
  • YELLOW Rainfall Warning for Ireland valid from Thursday 03 Oct at 9am to Friday 04 Oct at 9am - Spells of heavy rain (in excess of 50mm in parts of the west and northwest) will result in some flooding.

The Severe Weather Action Team of Limerick City and County Council held a meeting this morning, where issues relating to Storm Lorenzo were discussed.

Limerick City and County Council will continue to monitor the storm very closely and is in constant contact with Met Éireann and the National Emergency Coordination Group.

Flooding

Due to the high wind and heavy spells of rain predicted, there is a potential risk of localised spot flooding in places. Fallen leaves and branches may lead to drains being blocked.

We are monitoring the Estuary in areas such as Askeaton and Foynes and as a precaution defence measures will be taken.

Temporary flood defences are being deployed along the quays and strands in Limerick city centre but only as a precaution and as an additional barrier as winds are expected to be very strong. We do not expect any estuarine flooding based on current predictions.

Homeless

Limerick City and County Council has instructed that the 9am to 9pm Service (TEP) will be open on Thursday 03 Oct from 4pm and for additional hours on Friday morning 06 Oct.

McGarry House has agreed to provide additional temporary beds in the event that they are required.

All Hostels on alert in terms of communicating with Residents to avoid be out doors during the warning.

The Homeless Emergency contact number is 1800 60 60 60.

The Local Co-ordination Group also convened a meeting comprising of Limerick City and County Council, HSE Mid West and An Garda Síochána to discuss the storm.

The key messages are for people to stay safe during this weather event. Driving conditions will be hazardous and you need to take care and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians. Flying debris, fallen trees and power lines are a risk.

People are being asked to take care in ORANGE alerts counties including Limerick. Please don’t put your life and the lives of response teams in danger during this period by taking unnecessary risks.

The Local Co-ordination Group is appealing to everyone to secure anything that could blow away such as secure garden furniture, trampolines, flower pots etc as these could be turned into missiles in the wind.  Take them indoors if possible and don’t leave wheelie bins outside on footpaths or at front of houses.

Outdoor workers are also being asked to secure any loose items on construction sites or road works sites.

Members of the public are being urged to exercise caution during this storm and not to take unnecessary risks.

Please check on neighbours and friends who may be less mobile and who may need some assistance ahead of the storm.

The public is again reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings. Information is available across social media platforms and other traditional media sources.

Be prepared, be sensible and be careful and stay safe.

Useful Numbers and Links

Stay safe everyone.

Limerick City and County Council will continue to monitor the situation as Storm Lorenzo makes landfall and tracks across Ireland.

The Local Co-ordination Group is part of #LKWorkingTogether, Limerick’s public services working together

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