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Briefing Update – Storm Brendan

Storm Brendan has evolved as forecast by Met Éireann, with the types of impacts associated with a typical high energy north Atlantic winter storm. Heavy rainfall and high winds have caused difficult conditions across the country today but people are heeding the public safety advice.

There are no wind warnings in place for much of Leinster. Orange wind warnings have been downgraded to Yellow for Wexford, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford.

Windspeeds are picking up again this evening in the western region, particularly Mayo and Donegal. Orange wind warnings remain in place for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo. Local authorities have responded to trees down across the country and will remain on full alert in the western region until all wind warning have expired. While there has been some heavy rainfall across the country no local authority has reported exceptional rainfall amounts. The key impact for communities is the loss of power supply due to high winds.  

Warnings

The following Met Éireann weather warnings are currently in place:

  1. Orange wind warning for  Donegal Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim & Galway valid 14:30 – 23:59
  2. Yellow wind warning for Wexford, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford valid 15:00 – 20:00

ESB Networks

  • There were 48,000 ESBN customers without power earlier today but this figure has reduced to 32,000. Given that Storm Brendan is still in progress, the situation remains dynamic. While the main counties impacted to date include Galway, Limerick, Kerry, Cork and Donegal, customers have been affected in all areas.

Preparation & Response

Local authorities activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Co-ordination Groups over the weekend in anticipation of Storm Brendan. Coastal flood defences were put in place and local authorities closed some roads in exposed coastal locations.

NDFEM CMT have been in continuous contact with all local authorities throughout the day. No significant coastal flooding was reported today but the risk of coastal flooding remains, with high tides tonight and tomorrow morning being closely monitored by local authorities.

Public Safety

The Irish Coast Guard, RSA, An Garda Síochána, local authorities and NDFEM have been communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Éireann. The key public safety messages are:

  1. Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
  2. All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
  3. As conditions will vary people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their local authority.
  4. It is critical that people never ever touch or approach fallen wires,  stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damage electricity wires, and contact us at 1850 372999.

NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to actively monitor this situation, working with Met Éireann, OPW and all local authorities until storm conditions abate. The four local authorities on wester seaboard will update on impacts of Storm Brendan tomorrow morning.

Summary of Local Authority Reports

Cork City

  • A road in Ballincollig due to the dangerous conditions of a roof on a commercial building. No coastal flooding reported.

Cork County

  • Cork County have reported small number of trees downs and high winds – no other incidents.

Kerry

  • 14 trees down throughout the county
  • Minor flooding reported in county
  • No problems with this morning’s high tide, concern regarding this evenings high tide
  • Reports of 10,000 houses/business without power. Some waste water and water treatment plants affected. Irish water liaising with Kerry County Council regarding re-establishing supply.

Clare

  • No problems with this morning’s high tide, concern regarding this evenings high tide.

Galway County

  • No flooding reported, some overtopping, concern regarding this evenings high tide

Galway City

  • No problems with this morning’s high tide.
  • No reports of flooding

Mayo

  • No problems with this morning’s high tide, concern regarding this evenings high tide
  • No significant flooding
  • Some trees down within the county

Sligo

  • No problems with this morning’s high tide, concern regarding this evenings high tide
  • No major issues to report

Donegal

  • No problems with this morning’s high tide, concern regarding this evenings high tide
  • No major issues to report