Laois under Orange warning for destructive storm

LAOIS will be under a Status Orange wind warning this Friday, as destructive Storm Éowyn sweeps across the country.

Met Éireann has issued a nationwide Orange wind warning from 2am on Friday until 5pm on Friday but further updates and upgrades are likely.

The Orange warning brings the potential for fallen trees, damage to power lines and power outages, structural damage and very difficult travelling conditions. A Status Orange warning indicates winds that may gust to between 110 and 130 km/h.

In an update at 10am today, a Status Red Wind Warning was issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick from 3am Friday to 10am Friday.

A Status Red warning indicates conditions that may pose a danger to life with extremely dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions, widespread power outages, structural damage and wave overtopping.

Highly regarded forecaster Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather says the storm could be as destructive as Storm Ophelia in 2017.

Alan said on his social media page this morning: 'Storm Éowyn is looking like a serious storm on high resolution models. Damaging gusts across the country, with power outages likely and snow in parts of northwest for a time.'

Met Éireann advice during an Orange warning and higher is:

Stay away from exposed coastal areas. 

Drive to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees. 

High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.

Be aware of local conditions in your area, as wind strengths can vary significantly from place to place, depending on direction and local topography.