Carlow County Council Weather Warning & Advisory:
STORM DARRAGH: Very strong and gusty northwest winds
Potential impacts:
• Fallen trees and damage to powerlines
• Loose debris & damage to temporary structures
• Very difficult travelling conditions
• Wave overtopping
Met Éireann has issued:
Warnings & Advisories for Co Carlow
STATUS YELLOW Wind Warning - 15:00 Friday 06/12/2024 to 15:00 Saturday 07/12/2024
Weather that does not pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangerous on a localised scale.
Be aware about meteorological conditions and check if you are exposed to danger by nature of your activity or your specific location. Do not take any avoidable risks.
STATUS ORANGE Wind Warning - 22:00 Friday 06/12/2024 to 10:00 Saturday 07/12/2024
Infrequent and dangerous weather conditions which may pose a threat to life and property.
Prepare yourself in an appropriate way depending on location and activity. All people and property in the affected areas can be significantly impacted.
Check your activity/event and delay or cancel as appropriate.
Public Safety Information - protective actions advised:
• Weather conditions will be disruptive for travel throughout the warning timeframes. Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf and service carrying poles e.g. ESB. Always stay safe and stay clear of electricity lines and wires as these are live and therefore dangerous. You can report any damage to ESB Networks by contacting our emergency phone number: 1800 372 999/021 238 2410 (24 hours/7 days). ESB power check service can be accessed to report and/or ascertain power outages in your area.
• The public should note that local conditions will vary across the country and consider those conditions. Any travel arrangements should be planned carefully in advance of setting out. People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
• As a Friday evening where Public may be attending Christmas events the Public are advised to plan journeys carefully.
• All Carlow County Council public areas and amenities will be closed during the duration of the storm.
• The Bagenalstown light fest carnival will be closed Friday 6th December 2024 and will be reassessed for opening from 11:00 hrs Saturday 7th December 2024.
• All road users should be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions due to high winds. Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, flying debris as trees are in full leaf, surface debris
• High winds may also effect seasonal decorations on buildings, structures and outdoor areas, persons responsible for these areas shall be aware of this and take any necessary actions to secure them.
• There may be high levels of surface water, motorists should slow down, be aware of the dangers and avoid driving through flooded roads. There may be coastal flooding, although Co Carlow does not have any coastline people should avoid travelling to coastal areas. High seas; 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”.
• Pedestrians should be aware for the potential of slips, trips and falls, falling debris and avoid any localised flooding and dangers posed by surface water. River Levels may elevate, recreational activities in and around, in addition to using the waterways should be avoided.
• Carlow County Council's Homeless Services operates an extended Cold Weather Protocol from November 1st, 2024 to March 31st, 2025.
With the assistance of funding provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and in accordance with the Regional Homeless Action Plan, Carlow County Council is operating a cold weather initiative for anyone that is homeless and rough sleeping. This scheme operates throughout the winter period and any person that is rough sleeping may contact Carlow County Council to avail of an overnight bed during the winter period.
• Anyone that is rough sleeping should make contact with homeless services by email to homeless@carlowcoco.ie or during office hours phone 0599172496 . After office hours phone 059 9170300. If any member of the public sees a person rough sleeping they may report this and a member of the homeless services team will investigate. The homeless team will also actively carry out patrols in the Town areas and make contact with homeless people at risk during extreme weather. Further information can be found here Homelessness Support
Contact Details:
The contact number for Carlow County Council Out of Hours Assistance for Local Authority services of an urgent nature is 059 9170300.
Other emergency contact details include:
Fire 999/112,
Water and Wastewater (Irish Water) 1800 278 278
ESB 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
Met Éireann Weather Warning:
The latest Met Éireann forecasts and warnings are available at the following links:
Leinster - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service
Warnings & Advisories - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service
Weather warnings explanation - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service