How to stay safe in Storm Debi?

Ireland's emergency response team has issued a range of warnings, directions and guidance in response to Storm Debi which Met Éireann forecasts will be a damaging and life-threatening weather event.

With Status Red, Orange and Yellow alerts declared, the National Directorate for Emergency and Fire Management (NDFEM) called a National Emergency Coordination Group met on Sunday, November 12.

It was attended by Met Éireann, the OPW, the local authorities, principal response agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations to prepare for Storm Debi which is expected to impact Ireland from the early hours of Monday, November 13.  

Speaking after the meeting, Keith Leonard, Director-General of the NDFEM issued advise the public.

“Given the challenging wind and rain conditions expected, I would urge members of the public to stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.

“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished. Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High-sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.

“With all issues in relation to transport tomorrow, people can expect lengthy delays and should check their travel plans in advance of setting out on their journey. Public transport operators will provide updated information throughout the day. There is likely to be disruption across all ports and airports tomorrow.

“Given the disruption to travel networks, employers are asked to be flexible to those who will be disrupted getting to work tomorrow and consider the option of working from home.

“Importantly, I would remind people that it is critical that they never ever touch or approach fallen wires. Be sure to stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damaged electricity wires and, if you encounter any, do contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.  Where power cuts do occur, use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times.

“Everybody is encouraged to keep mobile phones charged and at hand in case of emergencies and to check for updates where necessary

“We will continue to monitor the ongoing weather conditions and ensure that all relevant state bodies are responding speedily and appropriately to meet any challenges. I would advise everybody to monitor national and local media, including social media, over the course of tomorrow to keep up to date with information regarding the developing weather situation. 

“Above all, make sure you stay safe and keep in touch with vulnerable or elderly neighbours,” he said.

The following are key areas highlighted.

WATCH: Storm Debi direction to schools, advice for employers from Ireland's emergency team

National Emergency Co-ordination Group responds as Met Eireann Status Red and Orange alerts in place

ESB Networks: Customers can check estimated restoration times or report an outage on Powercheck.ie. Safety of public and crews is critical. ESB Networks will be making safe any faults which occur throughout the day and restoring supply remotely and on site when safe to do so.

Local Authorities: Councils, who are the lead agency for the response to severe weather events on the ground, have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Coordination Groups and have been meeting and co-ordinating preparation for the arrival of Storm Debi – including readiness for restoring road networks following any weather disruption.  

Education: On the balance of risk and to ensure public safety all schools and preschools, are being asked to delay opening in orange and red counties until 10am tomorrow. School managers at local level will advise parents of any disruption to school services. 

Transport: The Department of Transport is engaging with agencies and operators in preparation for any disruption to transport services and has initiated its severe weather protocol. The public are encouraged to use the relevant public transport provider websites to check for any disruption to services at local level. 

Storm Debi severe weather travel warning issued by Laois Council

Met Eireann has declared Storm Orange weather alert

Summary of advice

• Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
• All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions.
• Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris.
• High-sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time.
• It is critical that people never ever touch or approach fallen wires,  stay safe and stay clear of fallen or damage electricity wires, and contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.  
• Use the PowerCheck App to check for reconnection times.
• Check transport websites for updates
• Check in on vulnerable neighbours
• Keep mobile phone charged

WATCH LIVE: Storm Debi direction Ireland

Watch on weather tracker

To track Storm Debi press the player on the video and you can zoom in and out using the + and - in the top corner.

 

WEATHER SUMMARY 

Met Éireann advised that a Status Red Wind warning has been issued for Clare, Galway and Roscommon between 2.00-5.00am and for Westmeath and Offaly between 5.00-7.00am tomorrow (Monday 13th November) morning.

Status Orange Wind warnings have been issued for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary from 02:00am-12:00pm on Monday. 

Severe and damaging gusts are expected on Sunday night and Monday due to Storm Debi. Potential impacts include damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to services and damage to power lines.

There is also a Status Yellow Wind and Rain warning for the rest of Ireland due to Storm Debi, with very windy or stormy on Sunday night and throughout Monday, accompanied by heavy rain with a chance of embedded thunderstorms and hail. 

Possible impacts include fallen trees or branches, localised flooding (including wave overtopping) and hazardous travelling conditions. 

The latest Met Éireann forecasts and warnings are available at the following links:

https://www.met.ie/ 

https://www.met.ie/warnings/tomorrow 

The NDFEM Crisis Management Team says it will continue to monitor developments, liaising with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams and Crisis Management Teams who are actively monitoring the evolution of the storm.