Limerick City and County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has met this morning to assess the latest situation in relation to Storm Ophelia.
The latest notice from Met Eireann says violent and destructive gusts of between 120km and 150km an hour this morning and afternoon.
The RED Weather Alert remains in force in Limerick until 1am tomorrow (Tuesday 17 October).
The latest information predicts that the worst impact in Limerick of Storm Ophelia will take place between 11am and 3pm today (Monday), however conditions will still remain dangerous outside of these hours also.
We would encourage people to stay indoors and don’t make any journeys unless absolutely necessary.
Limerick City and County Council has crews on standby to help the people of Limerick, however staff will be unable to attend during the RED alert as Limerick City and County Council has a duty of care to its staff and will not be putting their safety at risk.
Flood responses have been put in place and there is constant contact with the HSE and the Gardaí to co-ordinate responses and services to the people of Limerick.
High tide on the River Shannon is expected at 5.30pm this evening, based on current predictions storm defences should not be breached.
Fire crews are on standby and crews have been stationed in the retained stations across the county.
The Munster Regional Control Centre is operating under emergency protocols, additional staff have been called in and additional lines have been set up to deal with calls.
It is important to note that Storm Ophelia is changing as she tracks northwards.
The heads of Limerick City and County Council, the HSE Community and the Gardaí are meeting in Merchant’s Quay to assess the latest information relating to Storm Ophelia and co-ordinate the response needed.
Please be wary of falling slates and other debris and Limerick City and County Council is again urging people and businesses to secure any loose items or bring them indoors.
We would recommend a few tips to keep everyone safe:
- 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
- don’t leave wheelie bins outside on footpaths or at front of houses
- be prepared for services to be out , charge Mobile phones , have torches on stand by with spare batteries
- please don't leave candles unattended
- don't make unnecessary trips
- check on your neighbours to see if they are ok, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable
- where possible bring your pets inside
Some Useful Numbers
- Dial 999/112 for emergency services only if needed
- Limerick City and County Council 061 556000 Out of Hours 061 417833
- ESB Networks 1850 372 999
- Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050
Stay safe everyone.
Be prepared, be sensible and be careful and stay safe.