Met Eireann Status Red - Wind Warning Storm Barra

Met Éireann has issued a Red Wind Warning for County Cork from 6.00am to 9.00pm tomorrow Tuesday 7th December, as Storm Barra is expected to bring severe and damaging wind gusts in excess of 130km/h.  Dangerous conditions are also expected at sea with marine warnings in place along all Irish coasts, including a Red Marine Warning for southwestern sea areas.

A Yellow Rain Warning is also in place as the strong winds from Storm Barra are accompanied by heavy rain.

Gusts of around 90km/hr are expected widely inland, with the strongest winds across southern and western areas where gust could reach 130km/hr or higher along coastal areas.

Cork County Council's Crisis Management Team have convened this afternoon in response to this weather warning and have reviewed preparations throughout the day with Council response crews on standby. 

Cork County Council is asking members of the public to shelter in place and stay at home for the duration of the Red Warning.

All Council facilities will be closed during this Red Warning with services curtailed to respond to any life-threatening or critical incidents that might arise.  Online services will continue to be available with staff operating remotely.

Flood barriers are being erected in Mallow and Fermoy.

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to the relevant local area office during working hours or via the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048. Contact details for the Council’s Area Offices are available on this site or by contacting Cork County Council Headquarters on (021) 4276891.

The strong winds may give rise to localised power outages. In the event of a disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372999. Fallen or grounded wires should be avoided and the public are advised to call ESB in assisting with the identification of fallen wires.

In the event of a disruption to water supply, please contact Irish Water at 1800 278278.

In the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate. DO NOT assume others will do this.

Cork County Council is urging people to pay particular attention to the following: 

At Home – Before the Storm

  • Tie down loose items outside that cannot be brought in.
  • Have a torch, spare batteries and a battery radio ready
  • Stay indoors –and keep pets in.
  • Clear windowsills and close curtains to protect against flying glass.
  • If gas, electricity or water supplies are cut off, contact if possible the relevant services.
  • Keep in contact with family and neighbours especially people living alone.

At Home – After the Storm

  • As soon as it is safe, rope off or protect damaged areas to prevent injury from falling masonry, roof tiles or broken glass

Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment will continue to monitor this situation

Weather updates are available at www.met.ie and further information on how to Be Winter Ready. Cork County Council will continue to provide updates on www.corkcoco.ie and across the Council’s social media channels @Corkcoco.