'Multi-hazard event'- Storm Bram to be 'severe and destructive' with 'risk to life'

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Wind warning for multiple counties across Ireland as Storm Bram is expected to bring strong to gale force southerly winds.

The Status Orange Wind warning will be in effect from 7am to 3pm on Tuesday, December 9th and from 10am to 6pm Tuesday, December 9th.

Counties that have been issued status orange wind warnings are as follows: Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

People are warned to be on high alert as impacts include flooding, wave overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and debris and disruption and cancellations to transport services and events.

The public has been advised that Storm Bram will be a multi-hazard event, bringing destructive gale-force southerly winds and potential flooding and the public are being told to exercise caution during the duration of this orange weather warning.

Gabriel Hynes, A/Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council warns that “Storm Bram has potential to be a particularly strong and damaging storm. We would urge the public to heed all public safety advice and not make any unnecessary journeys as travelling conditions will be extremely difficult and dangerous.  The strong winds will lead to fallen trees, branches, and debris on the roads, making journeys extremely hazardous.

“If you must travel, motorists are advised to slow down, be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on the roads. Motorists should also avoid driving through flowing or standing water as the depth of the water can be deceptive.” 

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As coastal water levels are 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.

Please note the following emergency contact numbers below: Emergency 999/112Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278ESB Networks 1800 372 999Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050

Key public safety messages:

• 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 Bram 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 are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• 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 regards to power restoration times.
• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to our free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies – see www.water.ie