Mayo coastal communities urged to exercise caution

A spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard has appealed to the public to exercise caution during Storm Lorenzo.

Gerard O'Flynn said people should not do "any silly stuff" like trying to get a fancy photograph or go into areas that can be exposed to a sudden gust of wind or wave.

He reiterated the coast guard's message - "stay back, stay high, stay dry.”

Mr. O'Flynn added it is not a day for any leisure activity and people should not unnecessarily expose themselves to danger.

He said there are three coastguard coordination centres staffed 24/7 and the coastguard has a network of units around the country providing services such as shoreline services, cliff rescue and rescue boats.

Lorenzo - the ex hurricane and now extra-tropical storm - is hitting Ireland at a time when the ground is already saturated, trees are still in full leaf, and rivers are already swollen after heavy rain.

The United States National Hurricane Center which tracked Lorenzo closely reported at 4pm yesterday that it was still a very large cyclone with tropical-storm-force winds extending 630km from its centre.

It has been travelling at 70km/h towards Ireland.

It is expected to slow down as it approaches, before turning right and crossing the country later this evening.

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy warned of unpredictable consequences and appealed for people to stay back from the coast, stay in high areas, and stay dry.

The Irish Coast Guard has asked for people to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of rescue crews whose lives could be put in danger by people not taking sufficient care.