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Lorenzo is going to sweep in across the country later today - Here's what you need to know

Schools in Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick to “err on side of caution” on possible closures today.

STORM LORENZO IS set to batter the west of the country as it sweeps in across Ireland later today. 

Met Éireann has warned that the effects of Lorenzo will begin to be felt across the country this morning. 

Status Yellow wind and rainfall warnings have been issued for the entire country and will kick in at 9am.

The wind warning will remain in effect until 6am tomorrow. Met Éireann has warned southeasterly winds will reach mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts to 100km/h, resulting in some disruptive impacts.

The rainfall warning will remain in place for 24 hours. Spells of heavy rain, in excess of 50mm in parts of the west and northwest, are expected to result in some flooding. 

A Status Orange wind warning for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick will kick in at 6pm this evening and will remain valid until 3am tomorrow. 

Southwesterly winds veering westerly are expected to reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of 100 to 130km/h. 

Evelyn Cusack, Met Éireann’s head of forecasting, said yesterday afternoon following a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) that, as of then, it was not believed that Lorenzo will have to be updated to a red level alert.

NECC 984_90581595 Head of forecasting at Met Éireann Evelyn Cusack briefing the media ahead of storm Lorenzo Sam Boal Sam Boal

Storm Lorenzo will produce significant swell, high waves and sizeable storm surges, Met Éireann said. 

This will lead to wave overtopping, some coastal flooding and damage, especially along western and southern coasts.

Met Éireann has said that because trees are mostly in full leaf with a large surface area, even moderate strength winds can bring down weakened trees or tree limbs.

In addition, some trees may be compromised due to saturated soils at the moment. With more rain forecast with Storm Lorenzo some disruption due to falling trees and branches is likely.

With the potential for falling leaves to block drains and gullies, some surface flooding is possible.

Preparations

Local authorities have activated their crisis management teams and local coordination groups in preparation for the arrival of Storm Lorenzo.

Preventative actions taken to date include clearing drains and gullies and preparation of sandbags.

People are also being urged to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours and family members over the coming days. 

The public is being advised to stay away from coastal areas during the period of the storm. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to ‘stay back, stay high, stay dry’. 

Walkers are being advised to avoid any exposed areas, including seafront walkways, as they may be hit by sudden gusts. 

  • If you see someone in difficulty or are concerned about somebody’s whereabouts on or near the water use VHF channel 16 or dial 112, and ask for the Coast Guard.

The NECG has warned that the predicted strong winds will make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles. 

Road users are being asked to pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.  

The National Parks and Wildlife Service had advised the public not to visit any national parks, national monuments or nature reserves while the Status Orange warning is in place. 

The following locations will be closed from this afternoon until tomorrow:

  • Connemara National Park
  • Knockma Wood, near Tuam, Co Galway
  • Derryclare Nature Reserve
  • Wild Nephin, Ballycroy National Park
  • Old Head Nature Reserve
  • Laughil Wood, near Pontoon, Co Mayo
  • Dromore Woods Nature Reserve, Co Clare
  • Killarney House and Gardens
  •  Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
  • Coole/Garryland Nature Reserve
  • Glengarriff Nature Reserve, Co. Cork

“The NPWS would ask the public for their ongoing cooperation on this matter by not entering these sites for the duration of these weather warnings,” it said.

Education and businesses

The Department of Education has warned that schools and all education centres in areas affected by the Status Orange alert should remain vigilant and keep themselves on top of any updates from Met Éireann, local authorities, local radio and gardaí. 

In all events, and if in any doubt, schools and other education settings should err on the side of caution, the Department warned. 

Schools are authorised to make closure decisions if, in their judgment in the interests of the safety of the school community, it is prudent to do so.

All decisions about school closures will be informed by, as well as prevailing and predicted conditions, any damage that might have been caused to school buildings overnight or at any time during the storm, and whether such damage might present a risk to safety.

Similarly, other education settings should make closure decisions based on those considerations, according to the Department.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and will follow any advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group,” the Department said. 

In relation to businesses, the NECG said yesterday that employers should plan in conjunction with their employees to make arrangements taking account of anticipated travel conditions today and tomorrow. 

Health and welfare services

The HSE confirmed that, as of yesterday evening, it is anticipated its services will continue as scheduled today and tomorrow. 

“We are watching the situation very closely and our HSE area crisis management teams have been activated should weather conditions change,” the HSE said. 

Meanwhile, staff from the Department of Social Protection are to be available to support householders in areas affected by Lorenzo. 

The humanitarian assistance scheme will be activated as necessary, the Department said. 

This scheme provides assistance to people whose homes are damaged by flooding or severe weather events, who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.

The scheme is means tested and assistance is not provided for losses which are covered by insurance or for commercial and business losses.

Power

As strong winds are expected across the country later today, it is likely some homes and businesses may experience some power outages. 

While you have power you may want to:

  • Collect torches, candles, matches and/or lighters and place them somewhere you can find them easily if the power goes off
  • Have spare batteries? Dig them out and add them to your store
  • Charge your phone
  • Charge any laptops or tablets you may have in the house
  • Stay in touch with the ESB Networks Powercheck site for updates on when you may be reconnected
  • For emergencies you can contact ESB Networks on 1850 372 999 or 021 2382410
  • Don’t approach fallen wires under any circumstances – these are likely to be live

ESB Networks / YouTube

Homeless

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) has said it has activated its extreme weather protocol and is ready to respond to ensure homeless people at risk are sheltered for the duration of any extreme weather event. 

In the event of extreme weather in the coming days, the DRHE said arrangements are in place with service providers to put additional temporary accommodation in place across a range of existing services. 

In addition, the Dublin street outreach service, operated by Dublin Simon, is out engaging with those at risk of rough sleeping in order to provide shelter for anyone who needs it.

“We are confident that there will be sufficient additional emergency spaces to cater for those that require it and we are extremely grateful for the cooperation and assistance from our partner agencies in the charity sector,” the DRHE said.

The Dublin Street Outreach Service can be contact from 7am to 1am on 01 872 0185.

Members of the public who come across a person at risk of rough sleeping is asked to notify the relevant service via this online form.

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43 Comments
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    Mute nothing witty
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:09 AM

    In Galway yesterday afternoon, I heard a group of foreign students ask their Irish tutor what they should do to prepare for Lorenzo. ”Bread, buy lots of bread”, he said to them, “you’ll be able to get whiskey and Guinness no problem but you won’t get bread”.

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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:12 AM

    @nothing witty: wrong weather event

    3
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    Mute Scott Stonebridge
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:45 AM

    Time to batten down the Batches ….. I’ll get my coat

    85
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    Mute Phil Mc Donald
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:24 AM

    @Scott Stonebridge: Thief!

    8
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    Mute Mark Mccormack
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:21 AM

    It’s to be wet with wind. A forecast from the 90s.
    Hurricane sweeping in.. Status orangery reddish as forecast for snowflakes today

    61
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:21 AM

    @Mark Mccormack: yep. Had to shake my head listening to the news this morning – ‘Met Éireann has issued a status orange warning – it’s second highest …’

    Second highest. Out of three. So, it’s second lowest then? Or the one in the middle?

    Talk about overly dramatic – it’s going to be wet and windy for God’s sake – it’s not a national emergency. It passed over the Azores with no issues and is continuing to weaken. We’re turning into a nation of panicky catastrophists – grow the f up people!

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:35 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: no issues in the Azores, don’t think you got that quite right, it hammered the Azores!

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    Mute Aidan Mitchell
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:40 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: Imagine they said it was the second lowest. People would say oh that’s grand then.
    Yes there are 3 levels of WARNINGS , this is second highest, asking period to be prepared. Do you want more levels?
    Status Green :Warning its going to be sunny with some wind. Warning hang the washing out!
    I dont know you thankfully, or where you live, but some people have stuff they need to secure to protect. Perhaps greenhouses, polyethylene houses, loose timber, perhaps animals, dog kennels, trampolines. People in Cork will need to sandbag their front doors etc.
    Why do you have to cry every time we have a weather event? . OK it doesn’t affect you, but it does and will affect others. Ask the families of the 3 people killed during Ophelia if we are “panicky catastrophists”

    51
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:47 AM

    @Gus Sheridan: Hammered! Really?

    “Azores Civil Protection Agency chief Carlos Neves says two homes were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.”

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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:49 AM

    @Aidan Mitchell: you sound like a panicky catastrophist. Carry on stocking up the bunker – sorry for disturbing you.

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    Mute shellakybooky
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:55 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: the Azores got battered did you not see the pictures?

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    Mute Aidan Mitchell
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:59 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: didn’t you get the memo? Its status yellow. You should really learn the levels. There’s only 3. You can count to 3 I presume? Can you read?

    10
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    Mute Dara O'Brien
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:03 AM

    @Aidan Mitchell: what on earth are you blathering on about man?

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    Mute Diarmuid Hunt
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:10 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: All schools and government buildings were closed and people told to stay at home. Prudent planning and warnings made sure nobody was hurt. A harbour was pretty much destroyed with many shipping containers washed away by the massive waves and 53 people were made homeless.

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:22 AM

    @Mark Mccormack: yawn

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:43 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: so 163 kph wind speed in the Azores isn’t a problem for you?

    9
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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:45 AM

    @Dara O’Brien: you live in your own little bubble

    5
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    Mute leeser
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:19 AM

    George Lee on the 9 o clock news last night still claiming a ‘Hurricane’ was due to hit. Typical RTE.. This storm has weakened so much it will pass us by and we won’t even notice it!

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:43 AM

    @leeser:
    The full force isn’t due to hit for another 12hrs but Kerry is already being battered.

    64
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    Mute The Second Last Word
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:57 AM

    @leeser: great stuff. Ring Met Eireann and let them know you’ve done this in depth analysis and they can cancel their orange and yellow warnings

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    Mute leeser
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:15 AM

    @The Great Unwashed: sure it is, lol

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:37 AM

    @leeser: get your head out of the sand will you?

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:55 AM

    @Gus Sheridan:
    Seems kind of appropriate:
    https://youtu.be/5rEiHWGBg7I

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    Mute leeser
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:08 AM

    @The Great Unwashed: c u next tuesday

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:23 AM

    @leeser: yawn

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    Mute Paraic
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:36 AM

    @leeser: Amazing, a few days ago the denialists on here were saying that it won’t come anywhere close to Ireland. Now that it clearly has, it’s “well it’s going to be a damp squib”. Grow up!

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    Mute The Great Unwashed
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 9:04 AM

    @leeser:
    “It isn’t windy in my back garden therefore it isn’t windy anywhere else”…

    9
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    Mute leeser
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    Oct 4th 2019, 6:13 AM

    @The Great Unwashed: how was Kerry after you claimed it was being battered? Grand night in Tralee all the same, clown.

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    Mute Eugene Walsh
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:58 AM

    Met eireann have just downgraded Orange to yellow 07:00 for cork . YR weather app now , yesterday and the day before had no warnings but moderate to strong breeze.
    There’s money and a career in fear

    31
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    Mute Alan Brazil
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 7:01 AM

    Talk about dramatic, calling the storm a hurricane and frightening all the elderly as usual, an absolute farce it’s all descended into and never as bad either as it’s made out to be, all for a few clicks and likes.

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    Mute Paul Furey
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:28 AM

    @Alan Brazil: read the article and listen to the news. No one is calling it a hurricane. Stop your pathetic whinging and get a job in the met office….as you clearly know more .

    19
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    Mute leeser
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:29 AM

    @Paul Furey: George Lee was calling it a Hurricane last night on the 9 O Clock news. How many people watching heard that and started to panic?

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    Mute Alan Brazil
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:39 AM

    @Paul Furey: Good Man Paul, Read Lee’s comment there before embarrassing yourself.

    1
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    Mute Paraic
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 8:08 AM

    Last time when Ophelia hit, I went down to the shop for bread but came back with iced fingers.

    12
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    Mute Jasun Ó Cearnaigh
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 10:58 AM

    Comments on this are a great laugh infairness

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    Mute nothing witty
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:10 AM

    In Galway yesterday afternoon, I heard a group of foreign students ask their Irish tutor what they should do to prepare for Lorenzo. ”Bread, buy lots of bread”, he said to them, “you’ll be able to get whiskey and the black stuff no problem but you won’t get bread”.

    5
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    Mute Michael Kavanagh
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:16 AM

    @nothing witty:
    That was Brexit they were warning about!

    19
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    Mute FlopFlipU
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    Oct 3rd 2019, 6:18 AM

    @nothing witty: let them eat cake I say let them eat cake

    20
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