All you need to know about weather warnings as Storm Darragh approaches

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and other stakeholders met this afternoon to discuss the current weather warnings in place for Storm Darragh. 

Storm Darragh is forecast to bring heavy rain and very strong, gusty northwest winds. Status Orange wind warnings are place for several counties, particularly along the western seaboard, on Friday and into Saturday, which could lead to fallen trees, damage to power lines and very difficult travelling conditions.

A Status Yellow wind warning will be in effect for the all of Ireland during Friday, December 6 and into Saturday, December 7. 

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The Status Yellow rain warning is also currently in place for nine counties for Friday and Saturday morning, which could lead to localised flooding in those areas.  

The Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place include a Status Yellow rain warning for Clare, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath which is valid from 10am Friday until 10am Saturday.

A Status Yellow wind warning for all of Ireland is valid from 3pm Friday until 3pm Saturday. 

A Status Orange wind warning for Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal which is valid from 10pm Friday until 9am Saturday, this warning also extends to Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow from midnight until 9am on Saturday.

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Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, advised the public: "Most of the country will be impacted by strong winds and everyone should take extra care. In particular, this storm may bring dangerous travelling conditions.

"Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles, and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.

"There is also potential for localised flooding in some areas, so it’s important to remember to never drive through flooded roads, as the depth of the water can be deceiving." 

He continued: "I would also urge the public 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’.” 

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 regarding power restoration times.

People are advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and also to monitor Met Éireann forecasts and / or visit www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.