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LIVE: Storm Éowyn Updates

Thursday, 23 January 2025 06:56

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group hold a press conference for Storm Eowyn.

Storm Éowyn hits the Midlands from the early hours of Friday morning with gusts in excess of 130km/h.

Commuters in the Midlands are being warned they'll be facing uniquely dangerous travelling conditions tomorrow.

The National Emergency Coordination Group is advising people to work at home if possible during Storm Eowyn, as winds could be strong as 160km/h around rush hour.

Only emergency services workers are required to work in person and will only respond to life threatening situations for the duration of the weather warning.

Public transport in all forms has been broadly cancelled.

Rhode's Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel says winds are forecast to be strongest from 6am:

Keith Leonard, Chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, has given this warning to the public:



There are warnings of widespread power outages as a result of tomorrow's red weather alerts.


Siobhan Wynne, Regional Manager with ESB Networks, says additional staff will be working tomorrow:

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group speaking at the press conference for Storm Eowyn: 

Laois County Council says Storm Eowyn is a real "danger to life" and people need to take the appropriate measures.

The local authority in Laois is also advising securing loose objects such as bins and trampolines in place.

Director of Services Simon Walton says it's a matter of minimising personal risk:

Storm Eowyn is now being predicted to be the worst to ever hit the country.

A red warning comes into effect for the entire country from the early hours of tomorrow.

Public Transport services won't run, schools, creches and colleges will be closed and employers are being urged to plan today for staff to work from home where possible.

The red alert means there is a  'danger to life' Climate Scientist and Founder of Ireland's Weather Channel, Rhode's Cathal Nolan, says the storm is on track to be the most severe we've ever experienced:

Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies Paul Crone says the school closures are the right thing for all involved:

The Road Safety Authority's David Martin says it's an 'unusual and dangerous' weather event. He says people shouldn't drive during the red warning - and they should still be extremely careful, even when it passes.

Bosses are being urged to arrange for remote working where possible - ahead of Friday's storm:

HR experts say it's important to plan ahead today for possible disruption tomorrow.

Caroline Reidy from the 'HR Suite' says health and safety should be the number one priority:

 

List of local businesses that will be closed tomorrow: 

Aldi has confirmed it will close all of its stores for the duration of the red weather warning.
The supermarket chain says the decision has been made on safety grounds.
Updates will be available on Aldi Ireland's social media accounts.

OFFALY: 

Ballycumber post office and shop - closed until 12pm. 

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre - postponing the all of their French Film Friday event to next week -Friday 31st January. 

Bridge Shopping Centre Tullamore - Closed until 1pm Friday. 

Dooly's Hotel Birr - The hotel will be closed until 2pm, food will be served in the Coachouse bar from 2pm to 9pm. 


WESTMEATH: 

The Fashion Shop in Mullingar - closed all day Friday

Mc Greals Pharmacy Mullingar - closed until 12pm.  

Wesolve-IT - Both of their Stores located in Moate & Birr will remain closed tomorrow.

Slammon Brothers in Moate - Closed Friday the 24th Jan. 

LWETB Further Education and Training will be Closed. 

Elliott Opticians Athlone - closed on Friday.

LAOIS:

Laois and Offaly Education and training board - closed tomorrow. 

 

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