Storm Eowyn Latest... Here's what you need to know
As Ireland braces itself to feel the full force of Storm Éowyn, Met Éireann has warned that the latest weather front could bring with it a possible "danger to life".
The Status Red wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford comes into effect at 2am on Friday until 10am.
The same warning for Clare and Galway is valid from 3am until midday and 4am until midday for counties Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.
Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon and Tipperary are also under a Red weather warning for wind from 6am until 11am.
We will keep this page updated across the next 48 hours. We'd appreciate yourself in helping us keep the county informed. Please email any information to news@meathchronicle.ie
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Thursday: 16.40
Bettystown councillor Sharon Tolan is urging the public to avoid sea swimming and travelling to the coastal area during Storm Éowyn.
"We are urging people to Stay away from the beach and under no circumstances should anyone swim or walk the beach during a red weather warning," said Tolan.
"Stay well back from the coast, we are expecting the sea to be very rough," she added.
This storm is not expected to result in serious flooding and Tolan is hopeful home owners will come away unscathed on this occasion.
"Certainly there will be heavy showers throughout but there isn't a huge amount of rain fall expected," she said.
"Tide times look to be with us during this event," she added.
Thursday 15.00
The HSE has warned of a number of cancellations due to "severe" Storm Eowyn.
Health services across the country have been impacted as the entire country is placed under a red weather alert tomorrow.
HSE chiefs have said non-urgent health services will be cancelled on Friday.
Hospitals and community healthcare services will be impacted across the country as "one of the most severe" storms hits Ireland.
This includes outpatient appointments and primary care clinic visits.
Day services for older people, those with disabilities and community mental health support services have also been cancelled.
Critical emergency services will continue to run. This includes ambulance, emergency department and prenatal care for pregnant mothers. Contact your service if you have concerns. Injury units will also remain open,
For patients receiving critical treatments like dialysis or cancer care, the relevant unit will reach out if there are any changes.
Check up-to-date opening times of the injury unit nearest to you.
Thursday: 16.40
Bettystown councillor Sharon Tolan is urging the public to avoid sea swimming and travelling to the coastal area during Storm Éowyn.
"We are urging people to Stay away from the beach and under no circumstances should anyone swim or walk the beach during a red weather warning," said Tolan.
"Stay well back from the coast, we are expecting the sea to be very rough," she added.
This storm is not expected to result in serious flooding and Tolan is hopeful home owners will come away unscathed on this occasion.
"Certainly there will be heavy showers throughout but there isn't a huge amount of rain fall expected," she said.
"Tide times look to be with us during this event," she added.
Thursday 14.40
"Significant" Bus Eireann service cancellations from this evening
Bus Éireann have advised that there will be "significant service cancellations" both tonight night and on Friday.
No services will operate for the duration of the Red Weather Warning. Further disruptions are likely.
Full details of all service cancellations for both days are being posted on Bus Eireann's Service Updates.
Thursday 14.25
Storm Éowyn - Red Weather Warning for Meath
Valid: 06:00 Friday 24/1/2025 to 11:00 Friday 24/1/2025
All Meath County Council offices, libraries and public spaces will be closed to the public during this time.
Emergency numbers and links:
• Meath County Council Customer Service - 046 909 700
• Customer Service Email - customerservice@meathcoco.ie
• Ambulance, Fire Service, Gardaí, Coast Guard - 112/999
• ESB Emergency Services - 1800 372 999.
• Power updates on www.PowerCheck.ie
• Uisce Éireann Emergency Line - 1800 278 278
• Water supply updates on www.water.ie
• Follow Met Éireann updates on www.met.ie
Thursday 13.05:
Meath Co Co has advised the public not to travel during a Status Red Weather Warning and to stay indoors and stay safe
In a statement the local authority said that severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h, which can constitute a threat to life and property, are expected and that fallen trees, debris and power outages are likely.
A spokesperson said:
"The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted so the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communications.
"Meath County Council crews will not be mobilised during a Red Weather event but there are plans in place to coordinate an effective, efficient response once it is safe to do so.
"In an emergency, please call 999/112."
Thursday: 12.40
Gardai issue warning to public ahead of weather event that is "dangerous and destructive with potential serious risk to life"
Gardai have issued an urgent warning to the public ahead of Storm Éowyn a weather event that is "dangerous, damaging and destructive with potential serious risk to life and injury for people who do not follow safety advice."
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) is coordinating a national response to the Status Red weather warnings.
People in areas during the times affected by red warnings are being urged to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
A Garda spokesperson said:
"Members of the Public should prepare today for Storm Éowyn. Please ensure that property, garden furniture and other loose material on your properties are secured.
"Today is the time to be a community, to check on isolated and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. Please ensure that they are aware of and prepared for this storm event.
"Sea conditions and waves will be dangerous. Do not approach coastlines; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.
"Do not put yourself or members of the emergency services at risk during this period."
Wednesday: 19:00:
Council mobilises Severe Weather Assessment team
Message from Meath Co Council Chief Executive, Kieran Kehoe to county councillors
"I wish to advise you that Meath County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment team has met to prepare for Storm Éowyn, in advance of the status red weather warning that is in place from 6.00am to 12 noon on Friday, January 24. Met Eireann forecasts can be viewed at Met Eireann.
"Crews will not be mobilised during the red weather event; however, plans are being developed to coordinate an effective and efficient response when the County transitions to an orange status during daylight hours. Our Fire Services and Civil Defence crews will be on standby should their assistance be requested.
"Our housing department will reach out to known rough sleepers and provide emergency accommodation during the weather event.
"We would appreciate it if you would share the Council’s social media messages once they are published in the coming days. The key safety message is to stay indoors and to stay safe.
"Meath County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team will continue over the coming days, and I will keep you informed as the situation develops.
Wednesday: 18:00
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met today (Wednesday) as red level weather warnings have been issued for 22 counties (including Meath) and Storm Éowyn is forecast to bring very dangerous and destructive winds on Thursday night and Friday.
A status red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’. People in the areas affected by red warnings should stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
Schools, early learning and childcare settings and further and higher education institutions in red level warning areas will close for the duration of the red warning.
Employers in red warning areas should facilitate working from home for all employees who can do so. Only emergency service workers should be leaving home for work, where directed by their employer.
Widespread disruption to public and other services is to be anticipated.
Keith Leonard, Chair of the NECG, said:
“Storm Éowyn is going to be a very dangerous and destructive weather event. The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, damaging winds which will constitute a risk to life and property. During the Red Level wind warnings, the public are advised to shelter in place.
“Where Orange warnings are in place, the public are also advised to limit travel to essential journeys only. An orange wind warning should not be underestimated – it can bring extremely strong gusts and can also pose a threat to life and property.
“I would urge people to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’.
"It’s also important to remember that even after the storm has passed, there is a strong possibility of fallen trees and other debris so drivers are also urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm.”
Storm Éowyn will bring gale force winds, including severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/h widely, with even higher gusts possible.
Where red warnings are in place, likely impacts will include:
extremely dangerous travelling conditions
cancellation of events
wave overtopping
coastal flooding in low lying and exposed areas
unsafe working conditions
fallen trees
significant and widespread power outages
structural damage
disruption and cancellations to transport
The NECG is continuing to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.
On the ground, Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and emergency response teams will be in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.