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Storm Éowyn – Red Weather Warning for Offaly

Met Eireann has issued a Status Red – Wind Warning for Offaly, valid: 06:00 Friday 24/01/2025 to 11:00 Friday 24/01/2025.  Storm Éowyn: Gale to storm force southwest to west winds will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h.

This will be a Dangerous, Damaging, Destructive weather event. Stay indoors. Do not travel. Do not attempt to deal with fallen trees or debris on the public roadway. Phone 1800 151515. Email customerservices@offalycoco.ie

Impacts:

• Danger to life
• Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
• Unsafe working conditions
• Disruption and cancellations to transport
• Many fallen trees
• Significant and widespread power outages
• Impacts to communications networks
• Cancellation of event
• Structural damage
• Wave overtopping
• Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas

Offaly County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team have met to plan for the severe and destructive storm.  Our Management Team is continuously monitoring weather warning updates regarding Storm Éowyn and are attending Severe Weather Alert Meetings locally as well as at National Coordination Group level.    All public buildings (libraries, Municipal District Offices, Áras an Chontae), parks and civic amenity sites are closed to the public on 24th January.

The public are advised

  • to please call Offaly County Council Out of Hours Emergencies on 1800 15 15 15 or email customerservices@offalycoco.ie to report an issue;
  • that our Emergency Crews are on standby to monitor the situation and respond as required, but only when safe to do so after the Red Weather Warning;
  • not to approach or attempt to move fallen trees or debris on the Public Roadway.
  • Report fallen wires to ESB Networks on 1800 372 999.

Electricity Network

It is anticipated the electricity network will be severely impacted and we advise the public to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring your mobile phone is fully charged.

ESB Networks highlights 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 them via their helpline 1800 372 999.  Restoration times will be updated on www.PowerCheck.ie 

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy, advises the public to “be prepared in advance by having essential supplies on hand, keep your phone charged and have a torch accessible with an extra supply of batteries.”

Uisce Éireann

For urgent water supply queries please call 1800 278 278. Water supply updates are available on www.water.ie.

Additional Public Safety Information

  • Remember to secure loose objects (e.g. trampolines, garden furniture) before the storm.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible – do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress.
  • Do not drive during a RED weather alert.
  • Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging – contact ESB NETWORKS
  • Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help make arrangements for any repairs
  • All calls relating to damage, fallen trees or debris must be placed via Offaly County Council’s out of hours emergency number on 1800 15 15 15.
  • Repairs to the public lighting network only take place when it’s safe to do so.