Laois County Council on standby for Storm Darragh damage

Laois emergency responders have been put on standby to respond to the damaging impact of Storm Darragh.

Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met on Friday morning, November 6 after a Status Orange wind warning being issued by Met Éireann for Storm Darragh.

The forecaster has also issued 24-hour Status Yellow wind alert until 3pm on Saturday while a Storm Red alert is in place for some counties on the east and west coasts.

The SWAT team includes the local authority and other local public agencies in coordinating the Laois response to severe weather threats such as storms, floods and heavy snowfall.

A statement was issued after the meeting which said Laois would be under the Status Orange warning from 10pm tonight, Friday, until 10 am on Saturday morning.

The Council warns that gusts of up to 120km/h, from a north westerly direction, are forecasted, which will have potential for adverse impacts across the Laois.

The Council says Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and very strong gusty north westerly winds making driving conditions dangerous. The public are advised to travel only if it is necessary during the period of the Orange warning. Motorists should slow down and allow extra time for journeys.

The Council also urges the public to please be aware of the danger of fallen trees, powerlines and debris on the road network both during and after the storm event.

The public can contact Laois County Council 057 866 400 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the council’s emergency services number.

The Council says emergency services crews will be on standby to respond to 999 calls and the Local Authority roads crews are available and prepared to respond to issues that may arise on the network when it is safe to do so.

Public safety message from Met Éireann for Storm Darragh BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Tree blocks Laois road after previous storm.

• Orange Warnings: the public are advised that only essential travel should be undertaken in areas where an Orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
• Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, utility poles, powerlines and flying debris.
• In addition to strong winds, the storm will also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in locations.
• People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
• 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. In regard to power restoration times.

The public is advised to note the following emergency contact numbers: below picture of tree clear up.

• Emergency 999/112
• Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
• ESB Networks 1800 372 999
• Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Responses from Laois County Council to extreme weather may include:

• Providing weather updates
• Carrying out flood relief measures
• Evacuating residents and animals from affected areas and
• Clearing of snow and ice from major routes