Storm Bram set to make its presence felt across Mayo
The Storm Bram warnings are now effect in Mayo with the first indications of strong gusts expected to kick off from around lunchtime.
The storm is forecast to be at his height between 1 to 6 p.m. - after which it will start to ease off.
However, the Orange alert remains in effect until 9 p.m.
Storm Bram will bring very strong to gale force south to southwest winds.
The peak winds are expected to become confined to west and northwest counties later in the day with potential of flooding of low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tide, wave overtopping, difficult travel conditions, debris and loose objects displaced, outdoor events impacted and power outages.
The public is advised to limit travel to essential journeys and shelter in place as much as possible.
Essential services operators will continue to operate subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
Orange wind warnings indicate wind speeds with the capacity to produce dangerous, stormy conditions, which may constitute a risk to life and property
If travel is necessary, take additional care when driving and lookout for pedestrians and cyclists.
Drive to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees.
High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.
Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
Organisers of events and activities should consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions; the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.
Stay away from exposed coastal areas for the period of the ORANGE warning and RED Marine Warning.
Coastal areas may also experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations.
Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks – banks can collapse without warning, water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
There is a potential for wave overtopping and tidal flooding in low-lying, exposed Atlantic coastal areas.
The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging gusts, be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and power lines.
The electricity network may be impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
Follow the advice from emergency services and your local authority.
Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) 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
Monitor Mayo County Council (@MayoCoCo) on X/Twitter and Facebook social media platforms where updates will be provided where possible.
POWER OUTAGES
ESB Networks has confirmed that 22,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power due to high winds associated with Storm Bram.
The affected premises are predominantly in counties Cork, Tipperary, Wexford, Limerick and Kildare.
Further power outages can be expected throughout the day, ESB Networks said.
The utility said its crews are mobilised across all affected areas, working to assess damage, make the network safe and restore electricity supply where it is safe to do so, despite challenging conditions.