'Stay indoors during Status Red alert' - Mayo County Council advises

With a status red warning in effect for County Mayo from 4 a.m. until midday on Friday, Mayo County Council's emergency response team have met to put in place arrangements where possible for this significant weather event.

Crews in each of the municipal districts are carrying out works in preparation for the forecasted strong gusty northwest winds potentially exceeding 130km/h that storm Éowyn will bring.

A statement by the authority outlined: "Our local authority roads crews are on standby to respond to issues that may arise but only when it is safe to do so after the expiration of the red weather warning.

"The public are reminded to stay indoors for the duration of the red warning.

"The public are also asked to be mindful that a Status Orange Wind Warning will also be in effect for Mayo from 12 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday and to be conscious that the impacts of the storm may take some time to be addressed.

"Strong winds may lead to fallen trees, branches and debris on the roads making journeys extremely hazardous

"As a result of the weather warnings in place, and in the interest of health and safety of staff and customers, all Offices of Mayo County Council will remain closed on Friday.

"Staff of the local authority will be working remotely and will deal with calls and emails. All updates relating to Storm Éowyn will be posted on our website www.mayo.ie and our social media channels."

Met Éireann are advising that Storm Éowyn will potentially bring gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly with extreme, damaging, and destructive gusts more than 130km/h.

The impacts of this significant weather event can include:

Danger to life.

Extremely dangerous travelling conditions.

Unsafe working conditions.

Disruption and cancellations to transport.

Many fallen trees.

Significant and widespread power outages.

Impacts to communications networks.

Cancellation of events.

Structural damage.

Wave overtopping.

Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas.

Precautions

Stay Indoors: During the red level wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place. The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive, and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property.

During the orange warning the public are advised to limit travel as much as possible.

High Seas: The public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Flooding: There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.

Electricity: The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted; the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

The public will find updates on all Mayo County Council and Mayo.ie social media channels and on www.mayo.ie