Ireland is bracing for what has been described as one of the most dangerous storms on record, with the National Weather Service warning of violent winds from 2am on Friday.
Emergency services were on high alert and the country was bracing for a virtual standstill on Friday, with airports, schools, parks and offices closed and public transport canceled as storm Ivoin approached.
Keith Leonard, head of the National Emergency Coordination Group, said the storm would be one of Ireland’s most dangerous. “We expect this storm to be destructive, dangerous and devastating. We can expect [gusts] Over 130km/h inland, which is very, very unusual. This is going to be a damaging, dangerous and catastrophic weather event.”
He said that the winds will cause severe conditions which will pose a threat to life and property.
The public has been warned to stay indoors, avoid beaches and keep phones and flashlights fully charged. The Electricity Supply Board has said that widespread damage to electricity infrastructure is feared and widespread power outages are expected.
The number of people without power is likely to top the 385,000 figure from Hurricane Ophelia in 2017, Leonard said. “Our most important message today is that everyone needs to shelter in place during all red alerts,” he said.
“We could potentially see significant and widespread power outages, so I would encourage everyone to prepare ahead. Make sure phones, flashlights and laptops are fully charged. Make sure there is no loose garden furniture or other items on your property that could cause problems in high winds.
Local officials are encouraging anyone living in mobile homes or other residences to consider staying with friends or family during the storm.
Donegal County Council is offering vouchers to encourage people in situations who have no alternative to staying in a hotel or bed and breakfast.
Met Eireann has advised people to stay away from the coastline, where winds of 10 are expected. Force 12 winds are expected far out to sea, from Valentia in County Kerry in the south-west of the country to Erris Head in the north-west of County Mayo.
Eoin Sherlock, Met Éireann’s chief hydrometeorologist, said on Thursday: “The fact that we are in the National Emergency Contact Group today indicates that this is one of the most dangerous storms Ireland will ever face. It is at the extreme end of the Atlantic storms.
Hurricane Debbie was the deadliest storm in Ireland’s history. It was not an Atlantic storm, but a rare tropical cyclone, which hit Ireland on September 16, 1961. It killed 18 people in the Republic of Ireland and six in Northern Ireland.
