National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on Storm Ashley weather alerts

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Eireann and various other stakeholders met today to discuss 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.

Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and Local Authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.

Met Eireann weather warnings currently in place

Status Orange - Wind warning for Galway and Mayo

Valid: Sunday 20 October, noon-9pm

Status Yellow - Wind warning for entire country

Valid: Sunday 20 October, 10am - midnight

Public advice

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

"I would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry'.

"Also, dangerous travelling conditions are possible and 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 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."

Further public safety advice includes:

• 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