*Photograph: Fiona O’Dwyer
A red level warning has been issued for Co Clare by Met Éireann.
Members of the public are being asked by Clare County Council to stay indoors and avoid all travel from 8pm to 11pm tonight.
Met Éireann says north-westerly winds, associated with Storm Hannah, will reach mean speeds in excess of 80km/h with violent gusts of 130 to 150 km/h for a time this evening. The most severe winds will gradually ease as the night goes on.
A Status Orange Wind warning for Clare will be in effect from 4.00pm to 8.00pm this evening (Friday) and again from 11.00pm tonight until 1.00am tomorrow morning. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience will be closed to the public from 3.00pm today until tomorrow, Saturday (27 April 2019).
Clare County Council is urging the public not to travel during the Red Level warning period (8-11pm) and says that overnight travel thereafter should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary. Organisers of events taking place in County Clare this evening are being advised to postpone events in the interests of public safety.
Meetings of the local authority’s crisis management team will continue throughout Friday and crews will commence any clear-up operations once the Red Level warning period has expired. Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution during Saturday morning as road debris arising from the storm is expected.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Council Director of Services, Carmel Kirby outlined, “The advice to the public is go home, tie up any loose ends that around and stay indoors from around 7pm. High winds are likely to cause a lot of debris and we’re expecting fallen trees.”
“We will only be able to respond to very severe incidents. Stay indoors, stay out of danger.” Kirby added, “Any events that might be planned for this evening need to be cancelled.”
