Ireland is getting ready to face Storm Ophelia this morning as it travels towards the country, bringing hurricane-force winds with it.
The country has gone into lockdown as it prepares for the most violent storm to hit the island in over fifty years.
Met Éireann has issued a nationwide red weather warning. It is understood that Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Sligo will be the worst hit counties.
It is believed that the storm will travel over the country throughout the day. Met Éireann have released the times of maximum wind strengths, they urge the public to stay indoors during these times.
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The public are advised to remain indoors from these times.
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From 07:00: coastal areas of Counties Cork and Kerry
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From 09:00: Remaining parts of Munster
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From 12:00: South Leinster and Galway
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From 13:00 Dublin and remaining Leinster
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From 15:00 North Connacht and Ulster
While #Ophelia now 'an ex-hurrcane', it's "still powerful, dangerous and potentially life-threatening", @MetEireann on @morningireland. pic.twitter.com/XaRLcbsr0x
— RTÉ (@rte) October 16, 2017
The expected weather conditions are severe. Met Éireann have stated that Ophelia will bring violent and destructive gusts to the island of Ireland during daytime. The south and southwest are the most high risk areas.
They are expecting heavy rain, storm surges along a number of coasts which will cause flooding.
They have also stated that there is a potential risk to lives, The National Emergency Coordination Group have pleaded with the public to stay inside.
An Garda Siochanna have urged the people to stay in doors. They have asked people not to make any unnecessary journeys.
The storm has forced the country to go into lockdown as creches, schools, third level institutes stay closed in order to protect their staff and students.
If you come across fallen trees and downed power wires assume that any wires are live and do not approach or touch. Report to the emergency services. #Ophelia
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) October 15, 2017
It is understood that scheduled court sittings have been postponed.
The HSE has informed the public that all outpatient appointments are cancelled today. The Health Service Executive has reassured patients that these appointments will be reschedule in a timely and efficient manner.
Ireland’s transport system is also facing huge disruptions as Bus Éireann announced that their services have been postponed from 5am until the afternoon. They revealed that they will meet to discuss the possibility of starting their services up, but have stated that it all depends on the severity of the weather.
Dublin Bus are also experiencing interruptions to their services. They shared that there will be severe changes to the regular timetables from 9am until the late evening. They have warned the public that there may be no services whatsoever for a period of time.
The public have been advised to check in with their airlines or ferry company to see if their travel plans have been altered.
The government have asked employers to tell their staff about changes to their work schedule as soon as possible.
Stay inside and stay safe today.
