Kilkenny County Council warns of 'dangerous, destructive, multi-hazard event' as Storm Éowyn approaches

The severe weather assessment team in Kilkenny County Council convened this morning and is advising the public that Storm Éowyn 'will be a dangerous, destructive, nationwide multi-hazard event'.

"Please ensure your property is safely secured," they have advised.

The Status Red Wind warning for Kilkenny will be in effect from 2am to 10am Friday, January 24, and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour.

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The impacts of Storm Éowyn include:
• Danger to life
• Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
• Unsafe working conditions
• Disruption and cancellations to transport
• Many fallen trees
• Significant and widespread power outages
• Impacts to communications networks
• Cancellation of events
• Structural damage

Kilkenny gardaí have urged the public to be prepared as destructive Storm Éowyn approaches Ireland.

In a post on Facebook, Gardaí said, "With Eowyn approaching, it's time to get ready for the storm with expected power outages and indeed hazardous conditions.

"Preparations include making sure items like garden furniture and trampolines aren't weaponised and are stored or turned over.

"Preparations include getting the supplies in and also ensuring phones etc are charged. If using solid fuel and candles, all the more important to have that smoke alarm working.

"Don't plan unnecessary journeys.

"Be especially careful driving in higher sided vehicles as they are more prone to the effects of gusts.

"Stay up to date with information locally and don't forget those that may be more vulnerable in these conditions. Stay safe."

Deputy Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann, Liz Coleman, said: "There will be a short respite from the weather on Saturday as Éowyn moves away, but we are also watching a different low-pressure system, forecast to bring impactful winds and further rain on Sunday. However, in this case the situation is still too uncertain; we will provide updates as the week progresses.”

Meanwhile, Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel has been trying to predict the exact track of Storm Éowyn with some counties set to welcome gusts of over 150km/h, a level that would be the subject of a red warning.

"Based on the latest model guidance and with a view to providing an early advisory Ireland’s Weather Channel is issuing a Severe Weather Alert for late Thursday night, Friday morning and up to Friday afternoon for a spell of locally damaging winds as a deep storm depression passes close to the northwest coast of Ireland, or across Ulster depending on the final track," Cathal said.

"With an estimated central pressure of 945hPa and with winds possibly gusting up to 170km/h in exposed coastal areas, with winds of up to 150km/h possible for coastal counties this storm is expected to bring widespread disruption across many parts of the country, however with over 48 hours before we have the final track and intensity finalised we advice staying up to date with our forecasts. 

"There are likely to be subtle changes to the forecasts details during the coming 48 hours as this storm depression develops and arrives at our shores," Cathal added.

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