Storm Darragh Advisory from Limerick City and County Council

Precautionary Measures: 

• The boardwalk in Limerick city has been closed. 
• Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary journeys. 
• Secure trampolines, outdoor furniture, and any loose items that could become projectiles. 
• Prepare for potential power outages by charging mobile devices and having torches ready. 

Weather Forecast: Met Éireann predicts very strong and gusty northwest winds. 

Potential Impacts: 

• Fallen trees 
• Damage to power lines 
• Very difficult travelling conditions 
• Structural damage 
• Wave overtopping 

John Gannon, Senior Engineer, Roads, Traffic and Cleansing at Limerick City and County Council has this advice: 

"While Limerick is under a Status Orange wind warning, Met Éireann advises that this is at the upper limit of an Orange warning, with neighbouring County Clare under Status Red. We can potentially expect fallen trees, telegraph poles and other debris on roads, as well as power outages. We advise avoiding any unnecessary journeys. Our crews are ready to respond but will only do so when conditions are safe, as staff safety is our highest priority. Roads may be blocked for several hours as a result. Please do not take any unnecessary risks that may put yourself or emergency responders in danger." 

Emergency Contacts: 

• To report an issue to Limerick City and County Council, call 061 417833 (out of hours). 

• To report an emergency or a loss of electricity supply to ESB Networks, call 1800 372 999 (24/7 service). 

For the latest updates, visit met.ie/warnings. 

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 are advised for those planning a Christmas night out advised to be aware of their local forecast and make decisions accordingly. Please check public transport services in areas where a red or orange level warning is in place noting that public transport operators may curtail services based on local conditions. Event organisers should monitor updates from Met Éireann for the duration of Strom Darragh. 
• 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 with very dangerous coastal conditions across the country for the duration of Storm Darragh. 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. 
• Stay safe and take all necessary precautions.