Statement from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on Storm Barra

This afternoon the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management’s Crisis Management Team conducted a third virtual National Coordination meeting with Met Éireann, the Office of Public Works, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Government Departments and agencies in advance of the arrival of Storm Barra.

As the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is designated as the Lead Government Department for coordinating the response to severe weather emergencies at national level, the meeting was chaired by the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM).

Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Patrick O’Donovan were in attendance at the meeting.

Met Éireann has issued a Red wind warning for county Cork, Clare and Kerry tomorrow, as Storm Barra is expected to bring severe and damaging wind gusts in excess of 130km/h. The storm poses life-threatening dangers to the public and therefore being outside (including travel) should be avoided in red/orange wind warning counties.

An Orange wind warning is also in place for many western counties and some eastern counties, with a Yellow wind warning covering the rest of the country. Gusts of around 90km/hr are expected widely inland. Dangerous conditions are also expected at sea with marine warnings in place along all Irish coasts, including a Red marine warning for southwestern sea areas.

A yellow rain warning is also in place nationwide, as the strong winds from Storm Barra are accompanied by heavy rain. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday with maximum accumulations approaching threshold levels, with high accumulations expected widely across Munster, south Leinster and west Connacht which may result in localised flooding.

Highest Astronomical tides are widely expected to be exceeded over the outlook along the east coast, south east, south, southwest, and west. Where highest astronomical tides are not exceeded, water levels will still be high, and strong winds and waves will have the potential for localised wave overtopping.

Very strong winds in combination with high tides means there is a risk of large coastal waves and the possibility of coastal flooding, particularly along southern and western parts of the country.

Driving conditions will be dangerous at times, with the risk of fallen trees, fallen power lines and flooding from the heavy rain. Temporary outdoor structures will be particularly vulnerable to the expected wind gusts.

Storm Barra is a dynamic event and the public are asked to monitor Met Éireann and their associated social media channels for updated warnings and information and heed Local Authority advice during this time. Local Authorities have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Co-ordination Groups and Coastal flood defences are being put in place. Road closures are likely in western coastal counties and the public should monitor Local Authority advisories.

The Irish Coast Guard, RSA, An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and NDFEM are communicating public safety advice based on the warnings issued by Met Éireann.

The Department of Education advises that as a precaution and in the interest of the safety of the school community all schools covered by the Red Alert and Orange warning from Met Éireann should not open tomorrow, 7 December.

The HSE have advised that testing and vaccination centres in red level counties will close operations for the duration of the event with those seeking PCR tests advised to isolate in place for the 24 hour period. In regards to the wider health services, all relevant information is available here. People with appointments or scheduled procedures should ring to confirm before travelling.

ESB Networks have taken action and are ready to mobilise responses to restore power once the impact of the storm is known. Powercheck app will enable users to gather updates on estimated restoration times. Safety regarding fallen lines will be communicated also.

Department of Social Protection are on standby with their Community Welfare Officers ready to assist with damage and recovery due to the impacts of flooding and the storm. Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are on standby to activate the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme.

Defence Force troops are on standby and available to assist in the response if and when required.

Civil Defence personnel are on standby to assist where required.

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, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.

3. As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.

4. The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410

5. Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.

6. Keep your mobile phone charged. Mobile phones can connect to the 999 service on any operators network so even where you do not have coverage on your own network it may still be possible to make a 999 call.

7. Follow HSA safety advice regarding the use of tools and equipment during and after the storm.

8. Given the increase in outdoor dining, business owners are advised to take down any temporary structures or marquees that have been erected or to secure them properly.

NDFEM Crisis Management Team will continue to actively monitor this evolving situation working with Met Éireann, OPW and all Local Authorities.