Update 17.22pm: Code Orange Weather Warning Remains for Tipperary

Weather Warning for Tipperary remains at Code Level Orange:

• Hurricane Ophelia is expected to transition to a post tropical storm as it approaches our shores on Monday. Mean wind speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130km/h are expected. The winds have potential to cause structural damage and disruption, with dangerous marine conditions due to high seas and potential flooding.
• (Current forecasts predict, in the South and along the East coast, wind values are likely to be in the high end of the orange scale but all parts of the country will be at risk).
• Valid from 09:01 Monday 16-October-2017 until 03:00 Tuesday 17-October-2017

Weather Outlook:

• Monday will see stormy conditions as Ex-Hurricane Ophelia moves up over the country. It is expected to arrive in Kerry at 6 A.M on Monday. Gale to storm force southerly winds will occur with severe and damaging gusts - winds strongest along southern counties with the risk of storm surge here, along with very high seas. Structural damage is possible anywhere and these are life threatening conditions. Rain will be widespread also, with the heaviest falls likely to occur in Atlantic coastal counties. Localised flooding is possible with thundery falls. The winds will veer south-westerly as the low pressure system tracks northwards over western parts of the country. Highest temperatures will range 15 to 19 degrees Celsius
• The storm front will track northwards on Monday night, exiting Irish coastal waters before midnight. Rain will gradually become confined to the west Connacht and west Ulster coasts and it will become dry in many parts with clear spells. Strong to gale force and gusty south-westerly winds will gradually abate.
• Currently, there are Red level wind warnings in place for Wexford, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Limerick and Mayo. The rest of the country is covered by an Orange level wind warning and there are rainfall warnings in place for the country although this will vary. Storm Ophelia is currently a category three hurricane (devastating damage will occur). Hurricane force 12 winds are anticipated, with heavy rainfall of 50mm-75mm predicated prior to the passing of the initial event in red level warning areas and 25mm-55mm in remaining, Orange level warning, areas.

Key Public Safety & Information Messages (as advised by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management):

• All unnecessary travel should be avoided on Monday while the storm is passing.
• Don’t travel in Red level warning areas during the height of the storm unless absolutely necessary, and take due care if travelling in all other areas. Listen to local radio and national media broadcasts regarding the current weather situation.
• High seas predicted, the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period.
• Very strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrian’s, motorcyclist and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
• Given anticipated weather conditions, tomorrow should be no bike day.
• Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country, with contingency planning activated by the ESB. The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372 999.
• Bus Éireann’s schools transport services will not be operating in counties covered by Red level warnings. Because of the duty of care owed to children and to avoid the risk arising from travelling, the Department of Education and schools is instructing all schools to act on the Departments advice and remain closed. Crèches and Montessori facilities should also remain closed tomorrow.
• People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours today in advance of the oncoming severe weather conditions and again after the worst of the event has passed.
• People are advised to remove patio furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings, which can be turned into missiles by the wind.
• The public are 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.

Tipperary County Council`s Emergency Management Team met on Friday and the position is continuing to be monitored over the weekend.
A further meeting is scheduled for tomorrow morning.