Authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are urging residents to exercise caution as Storm Debi approaches, bringing severe wind and rain. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has advised against unnecessary travel, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the impending weather conditions.
Met Éireann has escalated its warning to a red level, the highest severity, for 14 counties in the Republic of Ireland. The alert includes a call for schools in affected areas to delay opening. Additionally, an amber wind warning has been issued for specific regions in counties Down and Armagh.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland issued a statement urging people to stay at home if possible and to consider the prevailing conditions before undertaking any necessary journeys. The Met Office forecasts very strong winds developing in counties Down and Armagh, with gusts of 60-65mph inland and up to 75mph along the coast. An amber warning is in effect from 06:00 to 12:00 GMT in these areas.
A broader yellow alert for rain and wind covers all counties in Northern Ireland from 03:00 to 14:00 GMT, with the possibility of up to 40mm of rainfall within a six-hour period.
Concerns are heightened as towns and cities, still recovering from recent flooding, face the potential impact of Storm Debi. The Met Office warns of possible further damage to homes and businesses in Northern Ireland.
Authorities caution drivers to anticipate challenging conditions and expect a transition to drier weather later in the afternoon. Strong winds may result in flying debris, building damage, and large coastal waves posing a danger to life.
In the Republic of Ireland, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) has convened to address Storm Debi, described by Met Éireann as a “severe weather event.” The red wind alert covers several counties, including Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Roscommon, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Offaly, and Westmeath.
Residents in affected areas can expect winds of up to 130km (80 miles) per hour. Authorities advise against coastal travel due to extremely hazardous conditions and anticipate widespread electricity outages. The NECG recommends keeping phones charged for emergency communication.
Orange wind alerts, indicating dangerous conditions, are in place for specific timeframes in County Cork and 19 other counties. Disruptions are expected at airports, ports, and the entire rail network, with passengers advised to expect delays.
Storm Debi marks the fourth named storm of the season, which began on September 1.
