The NDFEM Crisis Management Team held a second virtual meeting today (Wednesday 16th February) with Met Éireann, the OPW, the local authorities, the Principal Response Agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations in preparation for Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice which are expected to impact Ireland today, Wednesday 16th and on Friday 18th February. The NDFEM CMT continue to liaise with Met Éireann to monitor the evolving weather situation. A further meeting of the group is scheduled for 12.00 on the 17th February.
Weather Outlook
Storm Dudley
A Status Yellow Wind warning has been issued by Met Éireann for the whole country valid from 12:00 Wednesday 16/02/2022 to 23:30 on the 16/02/2022 with westerly winds associated with Storm Dudley forecasted to reach mean speeds of 50-65km/h with damaging gusts of 80-110km/h, stronger on exposed coasts and on high ground. A combination of high tide and strong winds will lead to a possibility of flooding on Atlantic coasts. Occasional heavy rain will also bring a possibility of spot flooding.
Storm Eunice
A Status Yellow Wind & Rain & Snow warning for the whole country valid from 01:00 Friday 18/02/2022 to 15:00 Friday 18/02/2022, where Strom Eunice is forecasted to track over Ireland from the South West on Thursday night and into Friday bringing very strong winds and falls of heavy rain, sleet and snow. Some disruption is likely along with a possibility of coastal and spot flooding.
A Status Orange wind warning has also been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Wexford valid from 05:00 Friday 18/02/2022 to 11:00 Friday 18/02/2022. Storm Eunice will bring severe and potentially damaging winds, gusting up to 130km/h, higher in exposed areas. Some disruption is expected along with a possibility of coastal flooding.
Met Éireann Weather Warning
The latest Met Éireann forecasts and warnings are available at the following links:
https://www.met.ie/warnings/today
https://www.met.ie/forecasts/national-forecast
Co-ordination
- NDFEM Crisis Management Team continues to monitor developments, liaising with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Crisis Management Teams who are actively monitoring the evolution of Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice.
- All Departments and Agencies are relaying the public safety messages, aligned with the latest weather warnings issued.
Public Safety Information
- Protective actions advised
- Heed local authority advice, monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates
- General Public safety advice
- Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
- Necessary travel only in Orange conditions - All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, electricity cables and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.
- Keep mobile phone charged
- 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 ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.
Ends
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Press Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)
Email: press@housing.gov.ie
Website: gov.ie/housing
Twitter: @DeptHousingIRL