Environment

Hurricane Ophelia advice: Get your torch and candle and avoid unnecessary travel

Cyclists told not to use their bicycles and people warned to stay away from coastal areas

National Emergency Co-ordination Group warned against all unnecessary travel as Hurricane Ophelia sweeps over Ireland.

Mon Oct 16 2017 - 13:41

Hurricane Ophelia is one of the most powerful storms in more than 50 years to approach Ireland.

Its impending arrival on Monday has seen a status red warnings issued for all counties between 9am on Monday and 3am on Tuesday.

All schools and colleges will remain closed tomorrow. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group has issued the following advice.

- Avoid all unnecessary travel on Monday while storm is passing.

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- Stay away from coastal areas as high seas and storm surges are forecast

- Pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles are urged to be cautious as very strong winds are forecast

- Drivers are warned watch out for fallen trees and flying debris and the possibility of spot flooding

- Cyclists are advised not to use their bicycles on Monday

-  Safety store patio furniture, rubbish bins and loose items outside which may be turned into missiles by the wind

- Power outages are expected. Do not touch fallen electricity wires

- Charge your phone and make sure you have adequate food and liquids

- If possible check on isolated and vulnerable neighbours in advance of the oncoming severe weather conditions and again after the event has passed

- Check you have functioning torches and spare batteries and/or candles

- Farmers and those working outdoors should take extra precautions

- Expect delays on public transport services

- Intending air passengers are advised to check with their airline as some flight delays are expected

- Irish Ferries has cancelled its 8.45am and 2.30pm swift ferry crossings from Dublin to Holyhead and back on Monday and the Ulysses crossing at 8.55pm is in doubt. Intending passengers are advised to check with their ferry company as disruption is expected.

Selected emergency contact numbers 

ESB Emergency Services 1850372999

Irish Water 1850 278 278

Kerry County Council emergency service 087-2351847

Cork County Council out of hours emergency number (021) 4800048

Cork City Council out of hours emergency number (021) 4966512

Limerick City and County Council emergency number (061) 417833

Clare County Council out of hours emergency number 087 4169496

Waterford County Council emergency number (076) 1 10 20 20

Wexford County Council out of hours emergency number 1890 666 777

Mayo County Council out of hours emergency number (Castlebar Office) 1850 211819

Galway County Council contact number (091) 509000

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