Ireland warned to prepare as ‘most dangerous’ Storm Eowyn approaches
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Schools, early learning and childcare settings will be shut and people have been advised to remain indoors as Ireland prepares for one of the “most dangerous storms” it has ever faced. Met Eireann has issued status red warnings for wind which covers the entire country, which will come into effect from the early hours of Friday morning.
The worst of Storm Eowyn is expected to hit on Friday morning, with gusts of winds reaching up to 130kph, including inland. There have been warnings of danger to life, fallen electric lines, damaged infrastructure and widespread power outages as strong winds make landfall.
Chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, Keith Leonard, said that Storm Eowyn will be one of the most severe storms Ireland has seen. “It is going to be a damaging, dangerous and destructive weather event,” he said in Dublin on Friday. “The forecasted winds will bring severe conditions which will constitute a risk to life and property.
“Our most important message today is that everybody needs to shelter in place for the duration of all red warnings. “We are likely to see significant and widespread power outages, so I would encourage everyone to prepare ahead. Make sure phones, torches and laptops are fully charged.
“Ensure that there are no loose garden furniture or other items on your property that could cause problems in strong winds. “Check that vulnerable and older people have everything that they need in advance of Storm Eowyn setting in.”. Eoin Sherlock, head of forecasting at Met Eireann, said red nationwide warnings have been issued because of the “extraordinary intensity” of the storm.
