National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management update on Storm Bram response
- Published on: 9 December 2025
- Last updated on: 9 December 2025
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) met with Local Authorities, relevant Government Departments, state agencies and utility providers again this morning to monitor and co-ordinate the response to Storm Bram.
Storm Bram presents a very unpredictable weather event with an orange wind warning for all counties during the course of today. Met Éireann has also extended the red Marine warning for all southern and western coasts. This storm is a multi-hazard event with the potential for significant damage and disruption. It will bring very strong to gale force winds across all areas. Some transportation has already been disrupted, and additional impacts will be seen as the storm passes over Ireland.
Each Local Authority has activated its Severe Weather Assessment Teams and will be responding to incidents as they are notified. In addition, Transport Infrastructure Ireland are liaising with all transportation sectors to ensure adequate measures are taken to address all emerging situations. The need may arise to close some roads due to fallen trees, debris or flooding, and all motorists should follow all traffic instructions put in place. Driving during strong winds or heavy rain is a significant risk, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times.
The NDFEM will continue to liaise with all relevant Departments and agencies to monitor the situation throughout the day and to coordinate the appropriate response.
Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place:
Status Orange wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford
Expires 16:00 today.
Status Orange wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Connacht
Expires 19:00 today.
Status Orange wind warning for Donegal
From 14:00 - 21:00 today.
Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland
Expires 21:00 today.
As this is an unpredictable weather event, the weather warnings may still change as the situation evolves. The public is advised to monitor the Met Éireann website for the latest information.
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said:
“The conditions associated with Orange level wind warnings can be very dangerous. Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris – presenting a risk to both life and property.
Driving can be particularly hazardous in these condition, so I’m asking all drivers to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – so please slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.
I’d also ask the organisers of events and activities to consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions – unfortunately the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.”
Further public safety advice
- Stay away from exposed coastal areas for the period of the ORANGE warning and RED Marine Warning
- Follow advice from emergency services and your local authority.
- Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.”
- Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks – banks can collapse without warning, water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
- Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
- Coastal areas may also experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations. Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
- People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Check Local Authorities websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
- Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
- ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.