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.
- 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