Gardaí might not be able to provide assistance at Storm Éowyn’s peak since authorities have warned that the hurricane-like storm would be “damaging, dangerous, destructive” and might cause fatalities, reports The Mirror.
Since gusts of 130 km/h are predicted, a red wind warning has been issued for the whole nation, starting early Friday morning. Since all public transit in the nation will be suspended for the duration of the red issues, it is expected to create extensive inconvenience and damage.
At a National Emergency Press Conference earlier Thursday, officials were eager to emphasise the storm’s potential for destruction, reports The Mirror.
Storm Éowyn is expected to be “one of the most severe storms Ireland has ever seen,” according to Keith Leonard, chair of the National Emergency department.
He said: “We are likely to see significant and widespread power outages. I would encourage everyone to prepare ahead. Make sure phones, torches and laptops are fully charged. Ensure that there are no loose garden furniture or other items that could cause problems with strong winds. Check that Vulnerable and older people have everything they need in advance of Storm Éowyn.” While there have been several weather warnings over the past couple of months, Mr Leonard said he is confident that the majority of people will heed his advice,” reports The Mirror.
He added: “Winter storms have become quite common but the fact that we are talking to you about this in terms of red levels signifies that this is among the most dangerous storms that Ireland has faced. This is at the extreme end of the Atlantic storms. Public safety is our key objective for the next 24 hours. Nearly everybody heeds the advice and does what they need to do in their community and we have always had that experience in previous events so we would appeal to people to exercise common sense and good judgement for the next while,” reports The Mirror.
According to Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty, disregarding this public safety advise poses a “serious risk to life and injury.” “To protect themselves and their properties, people should stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel,” he continued.
“Do not put yourselves or members of emergency services at risk during this time. Today is a time to be a community and check on isolated and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. We are appealing to every person using the public roads after the expiration of the red warning this coming weekend to slow down, expect the unexpected and stay safe,” reports The Mirror.
The force and other blue light emergency services will be on duty, according to a Garda Síochána, but “may not be in a position to respond to help during the height of Storm Éowyn, subject to dynamic risk assessments” based on local weather conditions.
Although the storm cannot be categorised as a hurricane, Met Éireann Meteorologist Eoin Sherlock warned that tornadoes may occur. “This is the fifth storm of the season,” he stated. Because of the storm’s predicted unprecedented severity, we have issued red wind warnings across the country, reports The Mirror.
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