Clare and four other counties have now been issued with Met Eireann’s highest level of weather warning as Storm Debi approaches.
The national forecaster is advising those in the affected areas that extremely gusty winds will take hold early tonight leading to potentially life threatening conditions.
The public are advised to prepare for damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, disruption to services and transport, significant power outages, fallen trees and branches and hazardous driving conditions thereafter.
The red-level warning will provisionally come into effect at 3am on Monday and will last until 5am, however an orange mid-level alert will remain in place for the county until 12 noon and a low-level status yellow wind and rain warning will be in place until 3pm.
Clare County Council Statement
Met Éireann has warned that it will be extremely gusty on Sunday night and Monday due to Storm Debi with potential danger to life. Possible impacts include: damage to exposed and vulnerable structures; disruption to services and transport; significant power outages; and fallen trees/branches.
Clare County Council has made preparations in advance of Storm Debi and its associated wind and rain warnings. Crews will be on standby and will assess and respond to the effects of the storm.
The Council is advising members of the public to exercise caution on Sunday night and Monday morning. People should stay away from coastal areas. There is a risk of wave overtopping. The advice is to stay back, stay high, stay dry.
People are advised not to travel during the Status Red alert, while essential travel only is advised for the duration of the storm.
Road users should be vigilant for any fallen trees, power lines and debris on roads, as well as the possibility of localised flash flooding. It is likely there will be surface water on most roads.
Business owners, caravan parks, homeowners and members of the public are advised that caravans should be securely tied down and any street or garden furniture, including parasols and awnings, should be taken indoors or fully secured.
Clare County Council will be monitoring the situation for any changes in the weather forecast. Please check Met Éireann for updates.
