Council urges 'extreme caution' ahead of Status Red warnings

Waterford City and County Council urging the public to exercise extreme caution during the duration of this weather warning. The Status Red Wind warning for Waterford will bring gale-force winds with wind gusts in excess of 130km per hour from 2am to 10am Friday, January 24.

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise extreme caution ahead of the "extremely dangerous, damaging and destructive" Storm Éowyn.

“We would urge the public to heed all public safety advice, to not travel and shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red weather warning. The strong winds will lead to fallen trees, branches, and structural debris on the roads, making journeys extremely dangerous," he said.

“With coastal water levels high there is also a risk of wave overtopping, and the public is advised to stay away from all coastal areas and adhere to the messaging from the Irish Coast Guard to stay back, stay high and stay dry. There is also potential for localised and spot flooding.

"Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather assessment team will continue to monitor the situation and Council ground crews are on stand-by to put in place mitigation measures.

"However, Council outdoor personnel will not operate during the duration of the Status Red warning and once the warning has passed will be on site throughout the city and county as soon as it is safe to do so."

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 from 9am to 10pm on Friday, January 24th after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number. On Saturday, January 25th, Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks will phone lines will be in operation from 9am to 1pm.

Waterford City and County Council have announced that their Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House.

In addition to the Status Red warning, a Status Orange Wind warning will be in place from midnight to 4pm on Friday, January 24 and a Status Yellow Rain warning will be in place from 9pm Thursday, January 23 to 5am on Friday, January 24.

Waterford Council's emergency advice:

Waterford City and County Council have issued the following advice in light of the storm:

• During Status Orange warnings, the public is advised to limit travel to essential only 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.
• The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property.
• High seas; the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
• There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, Storm Éowyn may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.
• The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public is advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• The public is advised not to travel during the Status Red Warnings Ensure insofar as possible outdoor items like bins, garden furniture, and play equipment (e.g. trampolines) are secured.
• Charge mobile phones and prepare for potential power outages. Have a flashlight and batteries on hand.
• Roads and pathways may be hazardous due to debris and fallen trees.
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, family, or friends.
• Report issues (e.g. blocked roads, etc) to the Council.