Update 07.12.2024 - 4.30pm
Fire Services and Roads Crews worked throughout the day to clear fallen trees and ensure that the network is operational where possible.
Laois County Council urges motorists to continue to exercise caution as there may be dangers on lesser travelled routes or from trees damaged or compromised during the storm.
Update 07.12.2024 - 10.00am
There are travel related impacts across County Laois this morning arising from multiple fallen trees. Busy night for fire crews across County Laois with in excess of 50 callouts and incidents throughout the night with crews encountering other fallen trees and blockages as they progressed between calls. The majority have been made safe and cleared with the remaining requiring reassessment, and/or other assistance in daylight hours and when safe to do so.
All major routes are passable with care, crews are continuing to work to clear lanes in a few locations on N80 & R445. Known locations have been signed or have hazard warnings put in place.
There were 5 vehicle related callouts with occupant of one RTC transferred to hospital.
All stations were deployed throughout the night and tidy ups have commenced be Municipal District crews this morning as required.
Motorists are advised that fallen trees and hazards may be present on the road network that have not yet been notified or cleared and they should take extra caution when getting out and about on the road network today and across the weekend.
Fallen trees may contain electrical cables and should not be approached.
Further updates will issue in the afternoon.
06.12.2024 - Storm Darragh
Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met this morning following an Orange wind warning being issued by Met Éireann for Storm Darragh.
For county Laois, the Orange warning commences from 10pm tonight (Friday) until 10am tomorrow (Saturday).
Gusts of up to 120km/h, from a north westerly direction, are forecasted, which will have potential for adverse impacts across the County.
Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and very strong gusty north westerly winds making driving conditions dangerous. The public are advised to travel only if it is necessary during the period of the Orange warning. Motorists should slow down and allow extra time for journeys. Please be aware of the danger of fallen trees, powerlines and debris on the road network both during and after the storm event.
Key Public safety for Storm Darragh from Met Éireann
- Red Warnings: the public are advised to not travel in areas where a red level warning is in place and to shelter in place during these times. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
- Public are advised for those planning a Christmas night out advised to be aware of their local forecast and make decisions accordingly. Please check public transport services in areas where a red or orange level warning is in place noting that public transport operators may curtail services based on local conditions. Event organisers should monitor updates from Met Éireann for the duration of Strom Darragh.
- 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. 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.
- Driving conditions will be hazardous throughout the weekend. 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 regard to power restoration times.
Members of the public can contact Laois County Council 057 866 400 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the council’s emergency services number.
Emergency services crews will be on standby to respond to 999 calls and the Local Authority roads crews are available and prepared to respond to issues that may arise on the network when it is safe to do so.
Please note the following emergency contact numbers:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050