Donegal County Council has said they are in a heightened state of readiness in preparation for incoming Storm Jorge and have activated their Severe Weather Assessment Team.
Met Éireann have issued a status orange wind warning for County Donegal starting from 12.00 noon on Saturday 29th February until to 3.00am on Sunday 1st March as a result of Storm Jorge (pronounced Hor-hay) making landfall. In addition there is also a status yellow rain warning in place for County Donegal during this period also.
The weather forecast suggests strong damaging gusts right through Saturday and into early Sunday morning. Given the extent of rainfall over the past three weeks the ground is at saturation point and with the combination of weakened ground and high winds there is a high likelihood of trees falling during this period. Electricity and telecom cables will also be vulnerable during this period also.
As this period of unsettled weather is approaching its third week people are being asked to keep an eye out for elderly neighbours or other vulnerable people who may be affected by either localised flooding or by blocked access routes due to fallen trees / power lines. There is also a risk of power outages over the weekend due to fallen power lines and people are advised to put practical measures in place such as having their mobile phones charged and to have a torch or lamp readily available.
Motorists are being reminded to take extra care while driving and to keep an eye out for fallen trees and power lines and to be aware that there is a high possibility of encountering flooded roads as well over the weekend.
The Irish Coast Guard is also advising the public along coastal areas to ‘Stay back, stay high and stay dry’.
In a statement this afternoon the local authority said: “Given the limitations on Council resources to respond to all possible locations, the Council is asking the properties owners / occupiers in areas susceptible to surface water flooding, to take proactive measures themselves including erecting flood barriers / sandbags to protect their properties.”
Donegal County Council can be contacted during normal business hours on 074 91 53900 and in the event of an out of hours emergency the Council can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
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