Met Éireann has issued a Status RED weather warning for County Kerry which is effective from 6am to 9pm on Tuesday. The following details are contained in the Met Éireann advisory issued today
“Storm Barra: Southwesterly winds later veering northwesterly will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h with severe or damaging gusts in excess of 130km/h. Due to a combination of high waves, storm surge and high tide, coastal flooding is expected. Disruption to power and travel are likely.” See: www.met.ie
Council Wading In to Help
Kerry County Council has initiated its Severe Weather Emergency Plan and is fully engaged in preparing for Storm Barra given the potential for fallen trees, power outages, damage to property and coastal flooding across the county on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
The Kerry Severe Weather Coordination Team, including representatives from Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Kerry Fire Service and Kerry Civil Defence is meeting to coordinate the response.
Advised to Remain Indoors
Members of the public are advised to remain indoors and to avoid travel for the duration of the weather warning between 6.00am and 9.00pm on Tuesday
Kerry County Council also advises the following: Items of property which are vulnerable to high winds, such as bins, trampolines, Christmas decorations and lights, and hoarding/fencing or similar items, should be secured and stored away.
Tents/marquees and any other temporary outdoor structures should be secured or stored away.
Because of the likelihood of power outages, householders are urged to charge mobile phones and torches and to check in with elderly or vulnerable neighbours today to ensure they are prepared for the storm.
Sandbags are being deployed to areas where there may be a known flooding impact in line with established procedures and with the assistance of the Kerry Civil Defence.
Public Offices Closed
Public offices and libraries as well as public parks and amenities will be closed to public access on Tuesday.
Kerry County Council can be contacted in the normal way – for non-weather matters – on 066 71 83500 and info@kerrycoco.ie.
Emergency Phoneline 066 71 83588
Kerry County Council will operate an emergency phone-line for the duration of Storm Barra to which issues can be reported to the local authority. The contact number is 066 7183588. Crews will respond to issues which arise when it is safe to do so.
Fallen electricity wires/poles and power outages should be reported to ESB Networks on 1800 372 999.
The council will provide updates through the local radio and media and on its website and social media channels.
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