People warned to check in on vulnerable neighbours as Storm Floris arrives

Irish Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Tents and temporary structures could be flying across the country on Monday morning as a Storm Floris will bring unseasonably heavy gusts.
Met Éireann is warning those heading out on the bank holiday Monday, especially near the coast, to be cautious. Local county councils are also asking people to check on their vulnerable neighbours in advance of the storm.
Eight counties have been placed under a yellow wind warning by the national forecaster. For Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo the advisory is in place from 2am until 1pm on Monday.
The gusty weather is set to last longer for more northern counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim. These counties are under a yellow wind warning from 4am until 4pm. Ireland is set be hit by strong gusts on Bank Holiday Monday (Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photo Agency)
Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo have also been issued a yellow rain warning from 2am until 10am on Monday. Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone have also been given a yellow wind warning from 6am until midnight by the UK Met Office.
Met Éireann forecaster Aoife Kealy said Storm Floris will be impactful for these counties. Possible impacts include dangerous travelling conditions, structural damage, fallen trees and debris, power outages and wave overtopping.
It could also cause havoc for outdoors events. Those attending festivals such as All Together Now in Waterford could see their tents flying.
Ms Kealy said: 'Storm Floris is going to track up across the north west and north coast, so the worst of the effects will be in Scotland but for ourselves it's just clipping us. It is going to bring some unseasonably wet and windy weather across particularly northern and western counties.
"We are going to see some very strong southwesterly winds and some heavy rain in places too.' The forecaster said while the warnings won't go beyond a yellow status, as it's a bank holiday people need to be more vigilant.
She continued: 'On a bank holiday Monday people are more likely to be out and about at coasts and so on. So there is probably more exposure than there would be otherwise. We are not looking at anything stronger than a yellow weather warning, it's more the timing of the event, it's unseasonal.
'It's not that we haven't gotten storms in August before but usually it's a bit better weather. It's likely just to bring a bit of disruption. There could be possible damage to temporary structures and tents and so on.
'So, be aware and take care if you are out on coasts.' Some parks will be closed across the country on Monday to avoid any injuries from potential falling branches or debris. A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for eight counties
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said all forests, country parks and trails will be 'closed to cars and pedestrians' for the day. It also advised the public not to visit and play parks or outdoor recreational areas alongside the coast.
Cavan County Council has advised people to stay indoors where possible, to charge all devices and battery packs and have torches and candles to hand. Householders should also ensure large items such as lawn furniture or trampolines are secured.
In a statement, the council added: 'People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours in advance of the oncoming severe weather and again after the worst of the event has passed.'
The Road Safety Authority said drivers should consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary before getting on the road. Drivers are being urged to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions.
If a road ahead is flooded, drivers are told to choose another route and never attempt to drive through it. The RSA added: 'Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
'After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.'
Control of a vehicle can also be affected by strong winds, with high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists being particularly vulnerable. While it's set to be a windy and wet start on Monday morning in the east, this is forecast to clear fairly early on in the day.
Rain should clear by the afternoon and while it might remain quite breezy, sunshine will break through with temperatures remaining mild. Ms Kealy said by the evening most of the country will have 'a kind of nice day'.
She continued: 'We will see a good bit of improvement on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday there will be a few showers around but there should be some sunny spells as well and plenty of dry weather.
'Wednesday is not a bad day, you should have some sunny spells but later on Wednesday there might be a bit of rain moving in over the western half of the country and that will spread eastwards on Wednesday night. But nothing overly impactful.'
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