Key Public Safety Message for Storm Darragh
Kildare County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met this afternoon in response to the Orange Weather Warning for the county, for wind speeds with the capacity to produce dangerous, stormy conditions which may constitute a risk to life and property. The weather warning will be in place from 10pm this evening until 10am tomorrow morning, Saturday 7th December.
Following on from that meeting, the below advice has been issued:
- Be aware of local conditions in your area; wind strengths can vary significantly from place to place (depending on direction and local topography).
- Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris, as trees are in full leaf.
- People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication and any / all outdoor furniture, including Christmas decorations, trampolines etc are well secured.
- Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
- Check your activities/events planned for tonight, including Christmas parties, and delay or cancel as appropriate. Public transport services may be affected.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://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 in regards to power restoration times.
Kildare County Council will continue to monitor the situation.
