THE county is bracing itself for stormy conditions overnight with heavy winds predicted from midnight tonight (Saturday).
The winds could lead to dangerous driving conditions with power outages also predicted.
Donegal County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has been activated ahead of the storm and the council is asking road users to minimise their journeys where posible.
Met Éireann has escalated Donegal to a status Orange Weather Warning and the public are asked to exercise extreme caution as the worst of the Storm Ashley is expected to impact Donegal from late tonight and into early Monday morning (21st October, 2024).
Forecasters are warning that Storm Ashley will bring very strong and gusty south to southwest winds, coupled with high spring tides.
The winds could result in large coastal waves, loose objects displaced, fallen trees and very difficult travelling conditions.
The public are also being warned of dangerous conditions at sea, possible damage to power lines power outages and damage to already weakened structures
The Orange Weather Warning is valid from 12am on Sunday to 9pm on Sunday.
Donegal County Council are urging road users to minimise their journeys and be aware of road conditions if travelling, particularly in relation to flooding and debris on the road.
The public are also advised that a status Yellow Wind Warning is in place for the entire country up until the early hours of Monday morning.
In a statement issued this evening, Donegal County Council say they have activated their Severe Weather Assessment Team and are continuing to monitor the evolving situation.
“All council resources are at a heightened state of readiness in response to this period of unsettled weather,” a spokesperson said.
“The council has pre-deployed sandbags at a number of locations where it feels a risk may present given the predicted weather conditions. Further sandbags are available at a number of council depots in each of the Municipal Districts should the need arise.
“During the duration of the storm conditions, Donegal County Council are urging road users to minimise their journeys and be aware of road conditions if travelling, particularly in relation to flooding and debris on the road.
“Should you need to travel, extreme care should be exercised mindful of the conditions. Please be aware of the potential of fallen trees, branches, electricity wires, debris on the roads and walk-ways and flooding in certain areas.”
As a precaution, the Pier Car Park in Donegal Town is closed until 9.30pm this evening (Saturday), and will be closed from 6:30am to 9:30am and 7pm to 10pm tomorrow (Sunday) and 7.30am to 10.30am (Monday) due to high tide and storm surge predicted.
Warning signs have been erected in the car park to advise motorists of closure periods.
The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities have issued the following public safety advice:
- 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”.
- 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.
- There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas, especially in Western, Southern and Eastern counties. In addition to this, the storm may also bring localised heavy showers, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.
- People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Never drive through flooded roads, the depth of the water can be deceiving.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie. in regards to power restoration times.
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’s Road Service can be contacted on 074 91 72288. For emergencies requiring the assistance of the Fire Service call 999 or 112.
You can keep up to date on conditions by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.com/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on X @DonegalCouncil.
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