Storm Amy update: Donegal weather warning upgraded to Status Red for wind

Met Éireann has updated its warning for Donegal to a Status Red wind warning from 4pm until 6pm today as Storm Amy sweeps the country.

Extremely strong and gusty southwest winds are forecast for the county. Met Éireann is warning that possible impacts may include fallen trees, damage to power lines, dangerous travelling conditions, structural damage and wave overtopping.

During the Red Level wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place and not to travel.

The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property. The public are advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.

There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, Storm Amy may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to localised flooding.

The Electricity network is expected to be severely impacted and the public 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. You 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. You can also sign up online to the free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.

A Status Orange wind warning remains in place for Donegal until 10pm tonight, with the whole country under a Status Yellow wind warning until midnight tonight.

The Orange warning is expected to bring "near gale force to gale force and very gusty southwest to west winds” with potential impacts of fallen trees, damage to power lines and possible power outages, very difficult travelling conditions and possible wave overtopping. Under orange warnings, the public are advised to limit travel to essential in areas where an orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.

The Status Yellow Wind Warning is expected to bring “strong to near gale force and gusty southwesterly winds” with the possible impacts of difficult travelling conditions, debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees possible.

Homeowners are advised to take immediate action to secure trampolines, garden furniture, and other loose outdoor items ahead of the coming storm.

Donegal County Council requests that businesses remove all ‘sandwich board’ and other standalone signage from public areas in advance of Storm Amy.

The Harry Blaney Bridge will be closed during the period of the red and orange weather warnings with a possibility of an extended closure period.

Donegal County Council have pre-deployed sandbags in a number of high risk areas and further sandbags are ready to be deployed if required. Roads Service, Fire Service and Civil Defence crews are at a heightened state of readiness in the event of local responses being required during this storm event, however will only be deployed during the period of the red warning in instances with an immediate threat to life.

Donegal County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team are keeping the approaching weather pattern under review and will continue to monitor all local conditions as Storm Amy progresses.

Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours (with extended hours if required)  on 074 91 53900 and the Council’s normal out-of-hours emergency 074 91 72288 for our Road Service/Housing Department will also be in operation.  For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112. 

The public are asked to keep up to date with the current weather warnings and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.

You can keep up to date on conditions in your area by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.com/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on X(Twitter)

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