Latest Statement from the National Emergency Coordination Group on Severe Weather

3 October 2019

Published on Thursday, 03 Oct 2019

A National Emergency Coordination Group meeting was held today (Thursday 03 October), chaired by Minister Eoghan Murphy. Minister Damien English and Minister Kevin Boxer Moran were in attendance also.

Met Éireann’s current forecasts indicate that Storm Lorenzo will move across the country during Thursday into Friday morning, moving NorthWest to SouthEast across the country, potentially bringing strong winds, rain and the threat of coastal flooding.  Met Éireann have issued weather warnings and advisories and these are available on www.met.ie (link is external). Met Éireann will continue to monitor and warnings and advisories will be updated throughout the storm.

Report of the National Emergency Coordination Group meeting

The National Emergency Coordination Group met today (03 October 2019) in anticipation of the arrival of Strom Lorenzo. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is designated as the Lead Government Department for coordinating the response to severe weather emergencies at national level.

Local Authorities, who are the lead agency for the response to severe weather and Crisis Management Teams and Local Coordination Groups continue to meet in preparation for the arrival of Storm Lorenzo. Preventative actions taken to date include the installation of sandbags, and temporary flood defences. Some road closures in coastal areas have been implemented also.

Relevant Departments and Agencies remain in a state of preparedness in expectation of the arrival of Storm Lorenzo. An Garda Síochána continue to prepare, cooperate and report in conjunction with other emergency services.

Key Public Safety & Information Messages

• Detailed Public Safety Messaging will continue through Thursday.
• People are advised to monitor news and other local sources of information.
• In areas affected it is likely there will be:
  • High seas; the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
  • Very strong winds are predicted which will make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf.
  • There is a potential for storm surge, with probability of tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to spot flooding.
  • People are urged to check on isolated or vulnerable neighbours and family members before the onset of the storm and once the worst of the storm conditions have passed.
  • People should be extra vigilant and aware of the risk potentially posed by trees in high wind events. The most widespread and potentially dangerous consequence of high wind is the risk of trees breaking/falling, possibly bringing down live power lines, posing a danger to motorists and pedestrians in the vicinity.
  • People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
  • ESB Networks will advise customers of estimated times for the restoration of power in affected areas from tomorrow, Friday 04 October. This information can be accessed via the powercheck app and on 1850 372 999.
  • Irish Water have advised that any loss of supply should be reported to their customer care centre number 1850 278 278

The public are again reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings. Information is available across social media platforms and other traditional media sources.

The National Emergency Coordination Group is continuing to monitor and prepare for the storm and will meet again tomorrow, 04 October at 12pm to review the developing situation

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