Status Red Storm Éowyn warning lifted but dangerous conditions remain across Laois

The Status Red Wind Warning for Laois from Storm Éowyn has lifted at 11am but an Orange Warning remains in place. 

Gardaí are urging people to exercise extreme caution if they do venture out as there is debris and downed trees and potentially powerlines across the county. 

“We would still be urging people to be cautious of debris on the ground and the potential for stuff that was damaged or dislodged to come down,” a senior garda said. 

Met Éireann  said the Status Orange alert for Laois will remain in place until midday. 

It can bring “Gale force southwest to west winds will bring severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/h widely, with even higher gusts for a time.”

The forecaster warned people to expect very difficult travelling conditions. A  Status Orange winds can lead to fallen trees, damage to power lines and power outages and structural damage.

A Status Yellow Wind Warning will remain in place across Laois from midday until 4pm today and it could bring potentially damaging gusts. 

Meanwhile, Laois County Council is strongly advising the public not to make unnecessary journeys

“Aside from the dangers of fallen trees, power cables and telecoms infrastructure, there will be a lot of debris on roads and footpaths

Laois County Council crews will begin to mobilise from 11am to respond to storm damage across the county.

There will be multiple hazards on streets, roads, and footpaths, and the public are asked to report any incidents to the Council’s Emergency Hotline Number 1800 832010. Emergency calls should be directed to 999 or 112, in the normal way.” 

The Road Safety Authority  warned motorists of the hazards of travelling after the Status Red warning is lifted today. 

“Road users should be aware of very difficult travelling conditions and damage to temporary structures. Road users in areas affected are advised to exercise caution and check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey,” the authority stated. 

Road Safety Alert!

Storm damage can create hidden hazards.

Be cautious, reduce speed, and stay alert while driving.

Safety is in your hands. #TII #RoadSafety #BeWinterReady #Slowdown@RSAIreland @Dept_Transport @GardaTraffic pic.twitter.com/UrNTimveoZ

— TII Traffic (@TIITraffic) January 24, 2025

An estimated 15,000 homes and businesses in Laois have been left without power by the storm.