National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on Storm Bram

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened a meeting of all Local Authorities, relevant Government Departments, state agencies and utility providers today to plan and prepare for Storm Bram. This storm is a multi-hazard event with the potential for significant damage and disruption. Storm Bram will bring very strong to gale force winds, with the strongest winds in coastal areas. Impacts may include coastal, river and surface flooding, wave overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and debris - with potential disruption and to transport services and scheduled events.

Many parts of Ireland have experienced significant rainfall in recent weeks. The forecast rain is expected to arrive in areas where ground levels are already saturated, and many rivers are already at capacity. This brings a significant risk of flooding, particularly in Munster and coastal counties, where the timing of high tides may coincide with strong winds, creating a further risk of flooding. The public is reminded that flooding is a risk for all areas due to the current conditions, and even counties with a yellow weather warning or no weather warning will remain at risk of flooding.

Local Authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be active and responding to the affected areas as required; however, the need may arise to close some roads due to fallen trees, debris or flooding, and all motorists should follow all traffic instructions put in place. Driving during strong winds or heavy rain is a significant risk, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times.

The NDFEM will continue to meet throughout this period and will continue to liaise with all relevant Departments and agencies to monitor the situation and to coordinate the appropriate response.

Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place:

Status Orange wind warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford

Valid: 07:00 to 15:00 Tuesday.

Status Orange wind warning for Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo

Valid: 10:00 to 18:00 Tuesday.

Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford

Valid: 21:00 Monday to 09:00 Tuesday.

Status Yellow wind warning for Ireland

Valid: 03:00 to 21:00 Tuesday.

As this is an unpredictable weather event, the weather warnings are subject to change as the situation evolves. The public is advised to monitor the Met Éireann website for the latest information in relation to weather warnings.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said:

"Storm Bram is a multi-hazard weather event - so we're asking people to be aware of the elevated flood risks and strong winds it will bring. Coastal areas may experience coastal flooding, wave overtopping and storm surge, especially in low-lying locations, so people should keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades, particularly during high tide.

Strong winds can also of course make driving conditions very hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles. I would ask road users to make themselves aware of the potential conditions they may face, take extra care, and pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris."

Further public safety advice

• Check Local Authorities websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
• Follow advice from emergency services and your local authority.
• Allow for disruption during Tuesday morning commute - plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
• Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
• Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks - banks can collapse without warning, water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
• Do not drive through floodwater - turn back and use another route.
• People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.

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