Hurricane Ophelia 'could be worst storm witnessed in Ireland for 50 years'

THE National Emergency Coordination Committee has met to make preparations for Hurricane Ophelia, with storm force winds and heavy rain expected from tomorrow morning.

RTE News is reporting that Met Éireann told the committee that it expects the eye of the storm may hit the south coast and then track up along the west coast.

According to other informed sources, it could be the worst storm witnessed in this country for 50 years.

The coastal counties from Wexford and Waterford around as far as Galway and Mayo will experience the highest winds.

Heavy rain and storm surges may cause flooding in some areas.

While this is a dynamic storm system the track of the Hurricane has been very consistent over the last few days and it is not expected to change course over the next few days.

Met Éireann says it is monitoring the situation and will update its weather warnings if required.

Met Éireann has confirmed that Ophelia is the most powerful hurricane to have ever been this far east in the Atlantic on record.

The chair of the National Emergency Coordination Centre Sean Hogan has said everyone needs to take heed of what is coming.

He said public safety is of primary concern.

With regard to those counties who have a red weather warning, Mr Hogan advises that all schools and childcare facilities should not open.

In terms of those counties with an orange weather warning, he advises that people need to take great care.

Met Éireann has also warned that structural damage and flooding is possible.

A status red weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann - its highest warning - for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork and Kerry.

The warning is due to come into effect at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.

A status orange warning is in place for the rest of the country.

The hurricane is currently in transition to ex-tropical status, while maintaining hurricane force winds. Met Éireann say it is likely to hit with category two strength.

The National Hurricane Centre in the US has said Ophelia is "forecast to remain a powerful storm with hurricane force winds when it reaches Ireland on Monday... strong winds and rains will arrive well in advance of the cyclone centre."

Met Éireann has said that at present, the strongest and most damaging winds are now forecast to affect Munster and south Leinster, particularly the southwest, south and Irish Sea coasts - with the heaviest rainfall accumulations in Connacht, west Ulster and west Munster.

The Department of Education have outlined guidelines in the event of a status red warning.

They urge schools to be prepared, informed, and vigilant, and say schools "should consider not opening where a Status Red weather warning related to wind is forecast to coincide with the period during which students and staff would be expected to be travelling to and from school."

They add: "Whether the school should open later in the day where an improvement to the weather is forecast is a decision which should be taken in consultation with An Garda Síochána, the local authorities, school transport services and other appropriate agencies based in the school’s area."

School buses will not operate on Monday in the five western counties where the status red alert is in place.

Bus Éireann says it has cancelled the services to ensure children are not put in any danger.