merrion street

Met Éireann issued a warning this morning, upgrading the Orange wind warning for Kerry to Red from 16:00 – 19:00 this evening.

Red Warning for Kerry Storm Atiyah: West to southwest winds veering northwest will reach mean speeds in excess of 80km/h with gusts in excess of 130km/h for a time this evening. Extreme caution is advised, especially near the coast and on high ground.  Due to a combination of high seas and storm surge there is a possibility of coastal flooding. Valid from 16:00 Sun, 08-Dec until 19:00 Sun, 08-Dec-2019

Kerry County Council convened a Local Co-ordination Group Meeting with An Garda Síochána and the HSE. Kerry County Council are advising people to stay indoors for the duration of this Red warning and to stay away from exposed coastal areas while these warnings remain in place. The Principal Response Agencies are on standby in Kerry to respond to emergencies resulting from storm Atiyah.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) have been in continuous contact with the Local Co-ordination Group in Kerry throughout this morning. NDFEM have working also with national responding agencies since Friday to ensure that the response by the Principal Response Agencies is fully supported at national level.

Public Safety

NDFEM contacted Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, who will relay the current warnings to the Transport Operators. IRCG are issuing public safety advice for all coastal areas. An Garda Síochána will issue public safety advice for road users.

NDFEM have also linked with ESB Networks, which are on standby to respond to any damage to the supply network arising from Storm Atiyah . As always ESBN’s main focus prior to and during the storm is safety of the public and staff, and they will continue to reiterate safety messages through the media, websites and social media

NDFEM will continue to monitor the evolving situation with Met Éireann and OPW. NDFEM will maintain regular contact with Kerry County Council for the duration of the storm.