Major disruptive weather brought by Storm Boelo

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened another meeting of the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group on Sunday as Storm Boelo moves away.

Storm Boelo brought some very disruptive weather across the country over the last 24 hours, with impacts including power outages, spot flooding, fallen trees and road closures. Air and ferry travel were also affected, with disruption to services continuing into Sunday.

Speaking after the meeting, the Head of the NDFEM, Keith Leonard, said: “Although the storm has passed, I would urge people along coastal areas to continue to take note of prevailing conditions. We will continue to see strong onshore winds, high tides, surge and large waves, which may continue to cause overtopping and coastal flooding along all coasts on Monday into Tuesday.

“I would also like to thank all the local teams from across the country who worked throughout the last few days to help us to prepare to meet the challenges of Storms Austen and Boelo, mitigate their effects and remedy any impacts afterwards. Work is ongoing, particularly in the northwest to help those who have been impacted.”

Local Authorities and other stakeholders are continuing to respond to the impacts of Storm Beolo, and ESB crews have been working from first light to reconnect those who are without power as soon as possible. Conditions are challenging, however, and some households may remain without power overnight. The relevant Local Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and are liaising with the NDFEM in relation to any humanitarian supports that may be required. Very close attention is being paid to the welfare of vulnerable people in affected areas.

The ESB is again emphasising that people should never approach fallen lines or cables, and to report such cases to the ESB immediately on 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.

Although Storm Boelo has now moved away, more rain and strong winds are expected on Monday – with yellow warnings issued for the west, south and southeast.

Soils are also saturated and more rainfall may cause some localised flooding, particularly in the Southwest and west. River levels are also expected to remain elevated in the southwest and west on Monday and into Tuesday.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management will continue to actively monitor the situation and will reconvene the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group as and when required.

For the latest weather warnings and forecast information please visit www.met.ie.

Members of the public can access practical and helpful information on emergency preparedness at gov.ie/BeEmergencyReady or from the Be Emergency Ready booklet, which was delivered to households across the country.

For more information visit gov.ie/storm.