Weather Alert - Storm Éowyn
Sligo County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team attended a Virtual National Emergency Coordination Group briefing earlier today. Further meetings will take place tomorrow Thursday, 23rd January, to coordinate the Local Authority’s response to the multiple weather alerts issued by Met Éireann.
With County Sligo placed on Status Red weather alert from 4am to 12 Noon on Friday 24th January, Sligo County Council is urging people to exercise extreme caution. Along with the Status Red weather alert, a Status Orange weather alert will be in place from 2am to 5pm on Friday 24th January.
Storm Éowyn is a particularly strong, damaging and destructive storm and will track across the whole of the country, bringing gale force winds and damaging gusts, which will constitute a risk to life and property, from the early hours of Friday morning through to Friday evening.
Sligo County Council would urge the public to heed all public safety advice and not make any unnecessary journeys as travelling conditions will be extremely difficult and dangerous. The strong winds will lead to fallen trees, branches, and debris on the roads, making journeys extremely hazardous.
With coastal water levels high there is also a risk of wave overtopping, and the public is advised to stay away from all coastal areas and adhere to the messaging from the Irish Coast Guard to stay back, stay high and stay dry. There is also potential for localised and spot flooding, so motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water.
Our staff will not be attending to any incidents during the Status Red weather warning and until it is safe to do so afterwards.
Safety Messages
- People are advised not to travel during the period of the Status Red weather warning and to only travel during the Status Orange weather warning where it is essential.
- Ensure any items left outdoors are stored away or securely tied down, in particular wheelie bins, trampolines and outdoor furniture.
- With high tides expected, the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
- There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.
- The Electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- The public are advised not to travel, during the Red Warnings.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- 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.
- 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 our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie
- Move all animals and livestock to a safe and suitable building to protect them from the severe weather conditions associated with Storm Éowyn.
- It is strongly advised to stay away from all coastal areas.
- Monitor Sligo County Council social media platforms, where updates will be provided where possible:
Facebook @sligocountycouncil
Twitter @sligococo
Instagram @sligocountycouncil
SCC Emergency contact details
Sligo County 086 8569 416
Sligo Town 087 2600 111
Other Emergency contact details
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050