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The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann, and other relevant agencies have convened to address the imminent impact of Storm Bert. The storm is expected to bring extremely strong winds and heavy rain across Ireland, with significant weather warnings in place from tonight through the weekend.
Met Éireann Warnings
Met Éireann has issued the following warnings:
- Status Red Rain Warning: Cork and Galway (Midnight to 10am Saturday).
- Intense rainfall is expected to cause surface and river flooding, with very challenging travel conditions.
- Status Orange Rain Warning: Waterford, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim (Midnight to 10am Saturday).
- Heavy rain over a short period could lead to localised flooding.
- Status Yellow Wind and Rain Warnings:
- Whole country (10pm Friday to midday Saturday).
- Snow, ice, and rain warnings for Donegal (valid until midday Saturday).
- Additional wind warnings for southern counties including Cork and Kerry from 5pm Saturday to 2am Sunday.
Preparations and Advice
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised:
“It is quite clear that we will have challenging weather conditions at local level in many counties in the west and southwest. Local Authority severe weather teams are activated and are preparing for the storm’s approach.”
He urged those in red warning areas to shelter in place and avoid all travel during the alert. Even after the storm, the public is advised to exercise caution due to possible road flooding and fallen trees.
Public Safety Recommendations
Authorities are urging the public to take the following precautions:
- Ensure mobile phones are fully charged for emergency communication.
- Avoid travelling during peak storm periods, especially in areas under red and orange warnings.
- Stay away from coastal areas and adhere to the Irish Coast Guard’s advice: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
- Never drive through flooded roads; water depth may be misleading.
- Monitor Met Éireann’s forecasts and updates on social media and news platforms.
Power and Emergency Services
ESB Networks has warned about the dangers posed by fallen live wires. The public is advised to stay away from fallen cables and report any incidents to ESB Emergency Services at 1800 372 999. Power restoration updates can be tracked via the PowerCheck website.
The NDFEM will continue to monitor conditions, and local authority emergency response teams remain on high alert to respond to incidents as necessary.
Stay safe and updated with the latest information from Met Éireann and your local authorities.