Status Red wind warning issued for Mayo as schools to shutter

Met Éireann Issues most severe weather alert as Storm Éowyn approaches

Met Éireann has issued a Status Red wind warning for the counties of Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo as Storm Éowyn heads across the Atlantic, bringing life-threatening conditions and widespread disruption.

The warning is in effect from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, January 24.

The national meteorological service has predicted gale to storm-force southerly winds that will transition to westerly during the event.

Gusts are expected to exceed 130 km/h, posing severe risks to life and property.

EXPECTED IMPACTS

Storm Éowyn is anticipated to have widespread and devastating effects, including:

Danger to life due to extreme wind speeds.

Extremely hazardous travel conditions, with risks for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Unsafe working conditions, especially in outdoor or exposed areas.

Significant disruption and cancellations to public and private transportation networks.

Fallen trees causing road blockages and potential injuries.

Widespread power outages, likely lasting several hours or longer.

Communication network disruptions, affecting mobile and internet services.

Event cancellations, impacting planned gatherings and activities.

Structural damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Wave overtopping and coastal flooding in low-lying or exposed areas.

SAFETY ADVISORY

Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions to protect themselves and their property. Those in affected areas should:

Secure outdoor furniture, bins, and any loose objects that could become projectiles.

Avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors during the storm’s peak.

Prepare for power outages by charging devices and keeping emergency supplies at hand.

Follow updates from Met Éireann and local authorities for the latest information.

Met Éireann's senior forecaster Gerry Murphy has stated Storm Éowyn looks likely to be "a very significant or major storm".

The storm, he said, will have the most impact "from around midnight tomorrow night" until around "6pm on Friday, depending on exactly where you are".

Mr. Murphy described the forecast winds as "extremely strong", adding the Status Orange warning that coincides with the red warning will be at the ""higher end" of the alert.

The forecaster said "people should basically put Friday aside" and advised people to "stay at home and take whatever care and precautions they need" to stay out of the storm.

"The general advice at this point is for people to stay at home, not take any unnecessary journeys, and basically wait for the storm to clear," he said.

He added the adverse weather "does all clear away fairly quickly on Friday evening, Friday night".

Meanwhile Met Éireann Meteorologist Michelle Dillon said Storm Éowyn is going to be "a stand-out storm".