Met Éireann are advising that Storm Éowyn will be ‘Historic’ and ‘Destructive’ in nature causing multi-hazard events nationwide.
A Status Red wind warning is currently set to come into effect for Limerick from 2am to 10am Friday, 24 January.
Prepare for powerful and destructive winds with gusts potentially exceeding 130 km/h.
Storm Éowyn poses a threat to life and during a Status Red weather warning people are advised to shelter in place. Do not take risks that put yourself, emergency services or others in danger.
A Status Red weather warning is the highest level of alert issued by Met Éireann.
Limerick City and County Council has a duty of care to its staff and will not be putting their safety at risk. Crews will be on standby, however they will NOT respond to emergencies while a Red level weather warning is in effect.
Limerick Fire and Rescue Service will only respond to calls where there is risk to life while a Red level weather warning is in effect.
Limerick will remain under a Status Orange weather warning for wind until 5pm on Friday.
The clearing of blocked roads, fallen trees and other non-life threatening issues will only begin once conditions are deemed safe.
All calls will be subject to risk assessment to decide on appropriate response.
Met Éireann Weather Warning
Storm Éowyn: Gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h.
Impacts:
• Danger to life
• Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
• Unsafe working conditions
• Disruption and cancellations to transport
• Many fallen trees
• Significant and widespread power outages
• Impacts to communications networks
• Cancellation of events
• Structural damage
• Wave overtopping
• Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas
Limerick City and County Council advises:
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Secure anything that could blow away such as garden furniture, trampolines, flower pots etc as these could be turned into missiles in the wind. Take them indoors if possible.
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Don’t leave wheelie bins outside on footpaths or at front of houses.
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Be prepared for services to be out , charge mobile phones, have torches on standby with spare batteries.
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Don't leave candles unattended – they are a fire hazard.
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Don't make unnecessary journeys.
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Check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.
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Where possible bring your pets inside.
John Gannon, Senior Engineer, Roads at Limerick City and County Council,
"As we face the imminent arrival of Storm Éowyn, a potentially historic and destructive winter storm, it is essential for everyone to prepare adequately. We urge all residents and businesses to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. Ensure you have emergency supplies, secure outdoor items, and stay informed through official channels. By preparing now, we can mitigate the impact of this severe weather event and ensure the safety of our community."
Homeless Services
The Limerick City and County Council Homeless Action Team, working with homeless service operators have ensured that additional beds are available during this storm event.
The Limerick Homeless Action Team can be contacted at Homeless@limerick.ie or call 061 557051 or 1800 606060 (out of hours).
People may also present at the Temporary Emergency Provision (TEP) at Edenvilla, Lord Edward Street at 9pm. This out of hours service is operated by NOVAS in collaboration with the Limerick Homeless Action Team.
There is sufficient accommodation to meet demand.
More info: Homeless Services | Limerick.ie
Met Éireann is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Stay informed and take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your property.
For weather updates visit the Met Éireann website.
For local updates visit Limerick.ie/eowyn or follow Limerick City and County Council on X and Instagram.
Sign up to MapAlerter for information for your locality.
Report Issues to Limerick City and County Council:
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Phone: +353 61 556000
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Out of Hours Emergency: +353 61 417833
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Email: customerservices@limerick.ie
Key Advisories
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Orange warnings; the public are advised to limit travel to essential in areas where an orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
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During the Red Level wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place. The public are advised not to travel, during the Red Warnings
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The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property.
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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”.
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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 localised flooding.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.”
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Gas Networks Ireland can be contacted on 1850 20 50 50
Stay safe and take care.