Country faces lockdown ahead of 50-year storm

 

All schools, creches and colleges will be closed and people are being advised to stay indoors after Met Éireann placed the entire country under a status red wind warning with Hurricane Ophelia set to hit Irish shores tomorrow morning.

With the worst of the weather expected to hit Cavan around midday into early afternoon, Met Éireann said: “Ex-Hurricane Ophelia is forecast to track directly over Ireland during the daytime tomorrow.

“Violent and destructive gusts are forecast with all areas at risk and in particular the southwest and south in the morning, and eastern counties in the afternoon.”

It follows a statement from the National Emergency Coordination Committee who have met to make preparations for Hurricane Ophelia.

The worst storm in 50-years, and the first hurricane to hit land on Irish shores, Met Éireann has also warned of heavy rain and storm surges with “potential risk” to life.

The HSE meanwhile has stated that all hospital outpatient appointments have been cancelled for tomorrow. Any patients who are scheduled to have a planned procedures carried out are asked to contact their hospital in the morning to confirm whether or not their procedure is set to go ahead.

Local authorities and emergency services, including ambulances, the defence forces, fire services, electrical technical support and gardai are on high alert, with widespread damage expected to property nationwide.

The public has been advised to stay off the roads during the height of the storm if possible and to avoid coastal areas, while motorists and members of the public are being encouraged not to make any non-essential journeys.

Cyclists have furthermore been warned not to go out on their bikes.