The Daily Star Ireland
A Status Red wind warning has been issued for several counties, including Mayo, Clare, Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, and Wicklow, as Storm Darragh approaches. The warning will be active in Mayo from 9 PM tonight until 3 AM tomorrow, in Clare and Galway from 9 PM to 2 AM, and in Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo from 10 PM until 3 AM. Wicklow’s warning begins at 1 AM and lasts until 6 AM.
Meanwhile, Status Orange wind warnings have been extended across the rest of the country. Northern Ireland is under an Amber wind warning from 1 AM to 9 PM tomorrow, with potentially damaging winds expected.
Strong and gusty northwest winds are predicted to hit Munster and Connacht from 8 PM, while the warning for Leinster and counties Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan begins at 10 PM. These Status Orange warnings will remain in effect until 10 AM tomorrow.
Met Éireann has indicated that the storm could cause fallen trees, damage to power lines, travel disruptions, damage to temporary structures, and wave overtopping along the coast.
Northern Ireland will also have a Status Yellow wind warning starting at 3 PM and lasting until 6 AM tomorrow. Additionally, a Status Yellow rain warning is currently in place for Connacht and several other counties, lasting until 10 AM tomorrow, with another Status Yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland from 3 PM to midday tomorrow.
Senior Met Éireann forecaster Gerry Murphy has warned about the potential for fallen trees and damage to power lines and temporary structures. He advised against unnecessary travel and emphasized the importance of staying updated through local authorities. Murphy described Storm Darragh as a significant “wind event,” with gusts causing the most damage.
Liz Walsh, another Met Éireann forecaster, highlighted the severe conditions expected later tonight. Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne, Walsh advised people to stay indoors and take precautions to protect themselves and their properties during the red warning period, which she described as rare and very dangerous.
Gardaí have also urged the public to heed weather warnings and take precautions during the storm
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, stressed the importance of not traveling in areas under a red warning, particularly noting the current Christmas party season. He emphasized the dangers of coastal areas during the storm and reiterated the Coast Guard’s advice to stay safe.
Sean O’Neill, Director of Communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, advised avoiding major routes along the Atlantic corridor during the storm and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary. He recommended being prepared well before the red warning starts.
The ESB advised using the PowerCheck App to monitor electricity reconnections during Storm Darragh. The Road Safety Authority urged motorists to slow down, increase braking distances, avoid flooded roads, and be mindful of strong crosswinds. Pedestrians and cyclists were reminded to wear high-visibility clothing and exercise extra caution when crossing roads.
