Public advised to ‘shelter in place’ due to Red Weather warning on Friday, January 24

Public advised to ‘shelter in place’ due to Storm Éowyn Red Weather warning on Friday, January 24. Photo: Liudmyla Shalimova

People of Limerick “are advised to shelter in place” as Status Red weather warning issued as the country braces for Storm Éowyn

Limerick is preparing for severe weather as Storm Éowyn approaches, with Met Éireann expecting gusts reaching up to 130 km/h or higher with the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) advising the public to “shelter in place” with schools to close and disruptions to public transport during the Red Status.

The warning will be in effect from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, with the NECG meeting on Wednesday to discuss the anticipated impact of the storm with the Red Weather Warning being extended to the entire country. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and take steps to secure their homes and property and following the Red Warning period, a Status Orange warning will remain in place expected to last up to 5pm on Friday.

Keith Leonard, Chair of the NECG, issued advice to the public, saying, “Storm Éowyn is going to be a very dangerous and destructive weather event. The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property. During the Red Level wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place.

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“Where Orange warnings are in place, the public are also advised to limit travel to essential journeys only. An orange wind warning should not be underestimated – it can bring extremely strong gusts and can also pose a threat to life and property. I would urge people to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’.

“It’s also important to remember that even after the storm has passed, there is a strong possibility of fallen trees and other debris so drivers are also urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm.”

Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring extremely dangerous and destructive winds, with gusts reaching up to 130 km/h or higher. As well as the closure of schools, early learning, and childcare services, the likely impacts in Limerick include structural damage and fallen trees; significant power outages; and dangerous travel conditions.

As a precaution, all schools, early learning centers, and higher education institutions in Limerick will remain closed for the duration of the red warning and employers are urged to facilitate remote work.

The NECG and local Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) are closely monitoring the situation. Emergency response teams are on standby to address incidents as they arise. Residents are advised and encouraged to prepare for the possible power outages by charging phones, securing flashlights, and avoiding contact with fallen power lines. ESB Networks has activated its emergency response protocols and urges the public to report fallen wires immediately through 1800 372 999.

Limerick’s homeless services and outreach teams are working to provide shelter for rough sleepers ahead of the storm. The Limerick Homeless Action Team can be contacted at [email protected] or call 061 557051 or 1800 606060 (out of hours). Uisce Éireann is also on high alert to address any disruptions to water services.