Emergency Crews On Stand-By In Clare Ahead Of Storm Lorenzo

Hurricane Lorenzo (Pic: NOAA)

Emergency crews are on stand-by in Clare, as Storm Lorenzo makes it’s way across the west of the country.

A status yellow wind and rain warning is currently in place for the entire country, while an orange wind warning comes into effect for Clare from 6 o’clock this evening.

There’s already reports of trees down here, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.

CONTINUE READING BELOW

Storm Lorenzo is due to make landfall late this evening, with coastal areas taking the brunt of the conditions.

Sea levels are high, and while the storm will strengthen as it crosses the country, it is still expected to be a destructive weather event.

The worst of the conditions will come after a status orange wind alert comes into effect for Clare from 6 o’clock this evening

It remains in place until 3am, with gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour forecast.

A yellow wind and rain warning has been in place since this morning, and already there’s reports of a tree down on the Barefield Road just outside Crusheen.

Flooding, power outages, fallen trees and property damage is expected and Clare’s Chief Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly says emergency crews are on stand-by for all eventualities.

For the first time since multi-million euro coastal protection works have been completed, Lahinch’s defences will be tested.

But the message is for people to stay well back from the coast there and in other coastal areas across Clare.

People are being advised to check updates from the local authority throughout the day and to stock up on batteries for your radio for regular updates.

Chair of the National Emergency Coordination Group Keith Leonard has this advice.

The UL Hospitals Group is advising that all outpatient appointments and elective surgeries scheduled at their hospitals in Ennis, Limerick and Tipperary will continue as normal, with priority given to people living farthest away.

But patients who want to re-schedule their appointment are being advised to contact the relevant hospital site.

Hospital staff have begun discharging as many inpatients as possible and will continue to monitor progress of the storm.

As it stands a full uninterrupted service is expected across all five hospital sites tomorrow.

Shannon Airport is also operating as normal, but is advising passengers intending to fly over the coming days to check the status of their flights with their airlines.

Statement From Clare County Council

Clare County Council is warning the public to avoid exposed coastal locations today Thursday.
Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Alert for Clare, the second highest level of alert that the agency can issue.

The Storm Lorenzo status orange warning will affect the county from 6.00pm this evening and winds will be at their strongest along the coasts. The warning remains in place until 3.00am tomorrow, Friday morning. South westerly winds veering westerly will reach mean speeds 60 to 80km/h with gusts generally of 100 to 120km/h, higher in coastal regions. Storm surges will produce coastal flooding and damage.

The Irish Coast Guard have advised the public to take note of the weather forecasts and are reminding walkers to ‘Stay Back – Stay Dry – Stay High’.

Driving conditions will be hazardous and the public will need to take care and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians. Flying debris, fallen trees and power lines are a risk. The Gardai have asked motorists to avoid coastal roads in orange areas and ask that people don’t put their lives and the lives of response teams in danger during the period by taking unnecessary risks.

Clare County Council is urging the general public to drive with caution and to be alert for any debris on roads tomorrow morning.

Clare County Council’s Crisis Management Team met again this morning to review the situation and preparations taking place. The Local Co-ordination group consisting of the Council, HSE and Gardai are in ongoing formal communication also.