Five things to do NOW before ‘unusually strong' Storm Floris weather bomb hits Ireland – including stocking up on food
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Storm Floris will hit Ireland from around 2am on Monday morning
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Weather experts said that these early warnings could still be upgraded
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
A yellow wind warning for Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo will be in place from 2am until 1pm on Monday.
Met Eireann warned the public to expect "dangerous travelling conditions, outdoor events may be impacted, structural damage, fallen trees, debris and loose objects, power outages and wave overtopping".
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Weather chiefs warned
UK Met Office meteorologists yesterday said Floris could qualify as a "weather bomb" due to predicted air pressure levels before and during the storm, meaning the
Met Eireann urged the public to take extreme care due to the latest major weather event striking over the August bank holiday weekend.
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
They said: "An unusually strong jet stream for the time of year will carry the system towards Ireland through the weekend, with the storm deepening rapidly."
Ireland set for major weather shakeup over Bank Holiday as storm to bring 'unseasonably' high winds & potential warnings
Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday.
"However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined.
"And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west."
BE WEATHER AWARE
Forecaster Mr Doran-Sherlock also urged Irish households across the country to check weather alerts over the weekend.
He added: "Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities."
And motorists have been urged to take precautions as "dangerous travelling conditions," fallen trees, debris and loose objects are also expected.
RAC breakdown service's Rod Dennis said: "This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of Ireland and the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week.
"It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured."
CREATE STORM KIT
The
The main things they advise stocking up on and storing away are bottled water, ready to eat food, baby products, pet food, a first aid kit handy, a hot water bottle and toiletries.
They advise that you have medications such as inhalers within easy access that you have enough of essential medications to last a few days.
TIPS TO AVOID WIND DAMAGE
Cut down - or top - large trees which are very close to your home. A fallen tree can cause huge damage to property. Check your windows and electricity cables to make sure that no lose branches are hanging nearby as these can cause a lot of damage during a storm.
Alert ESB Networks to any trees in your area that are leaning on overhead electricity lines – or any broken or damaged branches hanging over or on electricity lines. Under no circumstances should you attempt to cut the trees or branches yourself.
Make sure windows are firmly closed to reduce the likelihood of breaking glass.
Anchor your trampoline so it doesn't blow away in a storm – or even better, dismantle it until the good weather returns. A rogue trampoline could damage your property – or even your neighbour's.
Tie down, or store away, loose garden furniture as they can cause damage if they are caught in a storm of heavy wind. If you don't have an indoor area to store garden furniture in, tying your outdoor furniture with sandbags is probably the easiest way to secure it during strong storms.
Ensure that cars, motorbikes and garden furniture are stored in a safe place. Vehicles can be damaged by falling trees, heavy branches or lose roof tiles. If you don't have a garage to store such items, remove them from areas where they may get damaged.
Have an emergency kit in your home and a fully charged mobile phone. It's advisable that your emergency kit includes emergency contacts, batteries, a torch, waterproof clothes, bottled water and food.
Check your flat roof for any wear and tear or damage – and address any issues before bad weather hits. The repair bill for damage caused by a collapsed flat roof could run into tens of thousands of euro.
Inspect your roof for loose tiles or damaged chimney pots, and get any problems repaired. Make sure your aerial and chimney is secure.
Make sure that fences are securely in place so that they are not blown away during a storm – fences can cause significant damage if they fly into homes or sheds.
CHARGE BATTERIES
Households are also advised to pack basic supplies to hand, such as stocking up on batteries in case a power cut happens.
They added: "Torch, batteries and a wind up or battery-operated radio. Water, any medication and a change of clothes. Key documents and important phone numbers.
"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance.
"It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential items."
Batteries can play a vital role during power outages as they can be used to charge phones and other communications gadgets.
And it helps you to be in touch with family members, friends, access to crucial information and get in touch with emergency services.
MAKE A LIST OF USEFUL NUMBERS
It is a good idea to make a list of useful numbers to have close by during Storm Floris.
This will make things easier on you if you need to make emergency contact during the poor weather.
These are good ones to note:
Dial 999/112 for emergency services only if needed
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
Irish Water 1800 278 278
It is also a good idea to have a local councillor's number, a relative's number or anyone else you might need to make contact with or check on.
The ESB also advise having your MPRN noted during stormy weather and your Eircode is another handy one to have close.
SECURE GARDEN FURNITURE
With a Status Yellow wind warning in place Ireland is going to be rattled by extreme gusts in the early hours of bank holiday Monday.
While the weather still remains calm it is very important to secure garden furniture, in particular trampolines, now to ensure safety for yourself, neighbours and properties.
If a piece of garden furniture were to be swept up in the winds and blown into your property you may be faced with severe structural damage.
Place anything that can be moved into a shed or indoors inside now.
If objects are too big to be placed indoors they should be secured or weighed down.
If it is possible to dismantle your trampoline that should be done today while you still have time.
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Met Eireann have issued four Status Yellow warnings
Credit: PA Wire
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