LIMERICK has been upgraded to a status orange weather warning this Friday morning by Met Éireann, as Storm Darragh is set to make landfall later this evening.
The orange warning for the county, and all of Munster – bar Clare, which has been issued a more severe warning – comes into effect from 8pm this evening and will remain in place until 10am on Saturday morning.
The national forecaster says it is aware warning of fallen trees, very difficult travelling conditions, damage to power lines, and wave overtopping in coastal areas.
A status yellow warning comes into effect for all of Limerick at 3pm on this Friday, before it will be upgraded to a status orange at 8pm.
Neighbouring county Clare has been upgraded to a red weather warning, the most severe warning that can be issued by Met Éireann.
As a result of the upgraded warnings, local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams are ready to respond where necessary across the country.
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, advised the public that travelling conditions will be challenging throughout the duration of the warnings.
“In particular, this storm may bring dangerous travelling conditions. Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles, and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
“There is also potential for localised flooding in some areas, so it’s important to remember to never drive through flooded roads, as the depth of the water can be deceiving,” Mr Leonard said.
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.
People are advised to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and also to monitor Met Éireann forecasts or visit met.ie for the most up to date information.
