Clare County Council is urging people not to underestimate the power of Storm Éowyn which is due to make landfall overnight tonight.
Winds are set to intensify in Clare from midnight, with a red warning coming into effect in this county between 3am and 11am.
Met Éireann is warning that wind speeds expected overnight have never been experienced in this county before, with gusts of more than 150 kilometres per hour likely to be recorded at Shannon Airport and more than 180 kilometres per hour in coastal areas.
Clare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has been meeting yesterday and today to coordinate it’s response to the severe weather conditions, with more than 150 local authority staff on standby to begin the clean up operation.
Senior Engineer Cyril Feeney has been telling Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill that this is a very dangerous, disruptive event not to be underestimated.
Meanwhile, the Cold Weather Alert procedure has been enacted within Homeless Services in Clare.
Additional spaces are available for those who are in need over the Red Alert period.
Staff in Homeless Provision Services along with An Garda Siochana are aware of this and the supports available.
Clare’s Road’s Policing Superintendent is also urging people to stay indoors and refrain from unnecessary travel for the duration of Storm Éowyn.
Clare-Tipperary Roads Policing Superintendent Eddie Golden says although the event will be short lived, travelling could be dangerous for days to come.
It’s business as usual at Shannon Airport today, however flight disruption is expected tomorrow.
The Shannon Airport Group has confirmed that teams are preparing the airfield for the arrival of Storm Éowyn.
Some flight disruption is anticipated while the red weather alert is in place and passengers are advised to contact their airlines directly for information on their flight.
A spokesperson for the airport says they will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and that airport teams are engaging with the relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated response.
Please be advised of the Local Numbers during and after Storm Éowyn:
Fire & rescue emergencies: 999 or 112
Clare County Council: 065 6846200
ESB Emergency Services: 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times. Have MPRN to hand.
Uisce Éireann 24/7 customer care centre: 1800 278 278
