NDFEM advises public to stay from coastal areas throughout Sunday as Storm Ashley approaches

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) advised the public to stay away from coastal areas throughout tomorrow (Sunday) due to adverse weather conditions. The warning followed a meeting this morning between the NDFEM, Met Eireann and various other stakeholders to review updates in relation to the current weather warnings in place for Storm Ashley.

Storm Ashley is forecast to bring strong and gusty southerly winds, with damaging gusts expected as well as high tides. Potential impacts include very difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, power outages, coastal flooding, and wave overtopping.

NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Eireann and is monitoring the situation.

Met Eireann weather warnings currently in place

Status Orange - Wind warning for Clare, Donegal, Galway and Mayo

Valid: Sunday 20 October noon to 9.00pm

Status Yellow - Wind warning for entire country

Valid: Sunday 20 October, 12.00am -Monday 21 October, 3.00am

Status Yellow - Rain warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry and Waterford

Valid: Sunday 20 October 12.00am to 9.00am

Public advice

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised:

"Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams are continuing to monitor conditions locally. With potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in Southern and Western counties, surface flooding in urban locations is also possible and Local Authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.

"The public also have their own part to play. I would absolutely urge everyone to stay away from all coastal areas during this period and to heed the advice from the Irish Coast Guard to 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry'. As dangerous travelling conditions are also possible, road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris."

Key Public safety messages

• Stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry".
• Dangerous travelling conditions are possible 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 risk of tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in Southern and Western counties. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.
• People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and / or visit www.met.ie for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms 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 regarding power restoration times.

ENDS