(833) 317-6278 
By: Ralph Riegel, Rory Tevlin, Amy Blaney, Denise Calnan, Darragh Nolan, Sarah O
| Amy Blaney, Rory Tevlin, Denise Calnan, Darragh Nolan, Sarah O'Mahony and Ralph Riegel Yesterday at 19:56 Key updates Weather Warnings Recap: Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford from 9pm Thursday to 5am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford from 2am Friday until 10am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Clare, Galway from 3am Friday until 11am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo from 4am Friday to 12pm Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon, Tipperary from 6am Friday until 11am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Donegal from 7am Friday until 2pm Friday. Status Orange - Wind warning for Ireland from 00.00 Friday until 4pm Friday. Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford from 9pm Thursday until 5am Friday. Status Yellow - Wind warning for Donegal from 4pm Friday to 11pm Friday. Ryanair intends to 'operate as normal a schedule as possible' 'We haven't seen forecasted wind speeds like this in a long time' - forecaster LATEST: What you need to know about all public transport and services Yesterday Denise Calnan Full threat of Storm Éowyn emerges: 'A storm, the likes of which we have not seen in years' 'Extreme risk to life' as wind gusts of up to 140kmph expected to batter country A picture is now emerging of the full threat of incoming Storm Éowyn, with a stark warning of an 'extreme risk to life' expected. Wind gusts of up to 140kmph are expected to batter the country. Storm Ophelia in November 2017, which was one of the biggest storms that ever hit Ireland, had record-breaking wind gusts of 156kmph on land. This Status Red nationwide storm is expected to bring tidal surges of up to 2.5 metres, with an "extreme danger of overtopping and people being swept into the sea on all coastlines across the island". Storm watch experts are predicting the possibility of highest-ever waves to be recorded off the west coast. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) chair Keith Leonard has pleaded with people to adhere to the weather warning and "remain indoors" or "to remain in shelter" during the hours of the storm. Darragh Nolan and Ralph Riegel 26 minutes ago Amy Blaney 32 minutes ago Amy Blaney 50 minutes ago Amy Blaney Winds of 100 kmh recorded in Co Kerry Met Éireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said gusts of around 100 kmh have already been recorded at a weather station in Co Kerry as winds pick-up in the southwest. "We had a south easterly wind gusting to around 100kmh in Valentia Observatory in Co Kerry," he told RTÉ's Nine News. "What people are going to see over the next three hours up until midnight are that the winds are going to become strong, but then over the following three hours between midnight and 3am, that's when they become very strong or extremely strong. "And it's from 2am onwards then that the Red warning kicks in. So the Orange warning kicks in at midnight, the Red warning kicks in at 2am for southern counties and then for various periods for the rest of the country." 55 minutes ago Amy Blaney 'It's going to be a very difficult weekend', says Chair of the National Emergency Coordination Group The Chair of the National Emergency Coordination Group, Keith Leonard, has said the country could see record breaking wind speeds and "extreme" damage during Storm Éowyn. "This is going to be an exceptionally dangerous storm. We're going to see probably record breaking wind speeds and extreme kind of damage across the country. So really, very, very difficult conditions across the country tomorrow," he told RTÉ's Primetime. The ESB has said there could be up to half a million power outages on Friday. "Those are probably the most accurate assessments that you will get from ESB networks who are working in this area," said Mr Leonard. "But I do know we heard in the National Emergency Coordination Group today that ESB are going to be working from the moment that the storm warnings expire to assess the damage and to try and get crews out as quickly as possible. "This could be a very difficult weekend for a lot of people. There's going to be a lot of people who are who unfortunately were affected in the previous power outages from the snow, who are again going to see those power outages. So, you know, very difficult conditions, really, for everybody." He advised people to charge their mobile phones and devices in the case of emergency and tie down any garden furniture or anything that could "become debris or a missile in this storm". Yesterday Amy Blaney Tanáiste Simon Harris has said the storm would be “dangerous” and “destructive”. “We cannot give a higher warning than nationwide Red. The risk to life is extreme and real,” he said. Newly appointed Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary said the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme will be available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by Storm Éowyn. This provides payments for food, basic furniture items and longer term financial support. Yesterday Amy Blaney Yesterday Amy Blaney Read the full article by our Travel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile Yesterday Amy Blaney Here is the latest satellite image from Met Éireann showing Storm Éowyn approaching from the southwest. Storm Éowyn is forecast to be a powerful winter storm, which will affect Ireland tonight and during Friday. Met Éireann Yesterday Amy Blaney There were long queues and some empty shelves in supermarkets this afternoon as shoppers stocked up on essential supplies ahead of Storm Éowyn. Dunne Stores Leopardstown Dublin as shoppers stock up ahead of Storm Eowyn.Photo: Stephen Collins /Collins Photos Dunne Stores Leopardstown Dublin as shoppers stock up ahead of Storm Eowyn. Pic Stephen Collins /Collins Photos Yesterday Amy Blaney Storm Éowyn will be an 'extremely intense storm' touching hurricane force Mét Éireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said Storm Éowyn will pose a danger to life and property as it tracks across the country tonight and into the morning. "From midnight onwards, everywhere needs to basically be aware that very, very strong winds are in store, because this moves in very, very quickly," he told RTÉ's Six One. "The first red warning gets going at 2am to be quickly followed by other red warnings as the storm moves north, north west, north eastwards, up over the country. "Now, a red warning means danger to life and property. So these are extremely strong winds. This is an extremely intense storm with damaging winds. "No doubt there will be power outages, there will be structural damage as well, as well as that off the west coast. In our marine warning, we have storm or violent storm winds touching hurricane force at times, possibly off the west coast. "Now that's many offshore but nonetheless it does mean that people on the on the islands to the west, need to be aware that this is a very, very intense storm." Yesterday Amy Blaney WICKLOW Wicklow is bracing itself for Storm Éowyn, with destructive gusts in excess of 130kmh predicted to cause chaos on Friday. The Status Red warning for Co Wicklow is currently valid from 6am to 12 noon and the electricity network is expected to be severely impacted. The public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication. Schools throughout the county won't be opening their doors on Friday after a decision made by the National Emergency Coordination Group that all schools in counties under a Status Red warnings should close. Members of the public are asked to stay away from Wicklow Mountains National Park from 6am to 12noon on Friday, for the times the Status Red warning is valid, though that could change depending on how serious the conditions are. The information office will be closed for the whole day on Friday. Beyond the Trees Avondale will be closed and ask the public to check their social media channels for updates. National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Kilmacurragh will also remain closed on Friday and will examine the extent of any damage caused before making a decision on reopening on Saturday. Russborough House and park in Blessington will be closed on Friday as well. Read the full story by Myles Buchanan here: Yesterday Amy Blaney Yesterday Amy Blaney Almost 90 flights cancelled at Dublin Airport with more 'possible' Almost 90 flights have been cancelled at Dublin Airport on Friday due to Storm Éowyn. Dublin Airport said it expects to remains open tomorrow, but disruption is expected. "A number of airlines have already cancelled flights scheduled for Friday morning. As of 6pm on Thursday evening, 45 departures have been cancelled for Friday, as well as 44 arrivals," said Dublin Airport. "Delays to flights and further cancellations on Friday are possible. "We advise passengers intending to travel on Friday to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport. "Passengers looking to re-book cancelled flights are encouraged to do so online. "Further updates will be posted on Dublin Airport's social media feeds over the coming hours." Yesterday Amy Blaney WATERFORD The Status Red Wind warning for Waterford will be in effect from 2am to 10am Friday, January 24, and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour. Waterford City and County Council's severe weather assessment team convened again on Thursday morning and is advising the public that Storm Éowyn will be a dangerous, destructive, nationwide multi-hazard event. Gabriel Hynes, senior engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the duration of this weather warning. "Storm Éowyn is an extremely dangerous, damaging and destructive storm and will track across the whole of the country, bringing gale force winds and gusts from the early hours of Friday morning through to Friday evening. “We would urge the public to heed all public safety advice, to not travel and shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red weather warning. The strong winds will lead to fallen trees, branches, and structural debris on the roads, making journeys extremely dangerous. “With coastal water levels high there is also a risk of wave overtopping, and the public is advised to stay away from all coastal areas and adhere to the messaging from the Irish Coast Guard to stay back, stay high and stay dry. There is also potential for localised and spot flooding.” Read the full story by Eoin Kelleher here Yesterday Amy Blaney CARLOW Last minute preparations are being made across Carlow as the county braces itself for one of the worst storms Ireland has ever seen. For the next 24 hours, Carlow will batten down the hatches with “damaging and destructive” gusts in excess of 130kmh posing "danger to life” across the country according to Met Éireann. As a result, Carlow County Council have activated their Severe Weather Response Plan and established a Severe Weather Event Control Centre. A status red wind warning will come into effect for Carlow, along with counties Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford from 2am Friday, January 24 and will stay in place until 10am Friday, January 24. For the duration of the warning, Carlovians can expect danger to life, extremely dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions and disruption and cancellations to public transport. There will be many fallen trees across the county, along with significant and widespread power outages and impacts to communications networks. Some buildings may also suffer from structural damage due to the force of the winds expected to hit the county. Read the full story by Aisling Bolton-Dowling here Yesterday Amy Blaney TIPPERARY A severe weather warning code Status Red has been issued for Tipperary for the unprecedented and life-threatening Storm Éowyn. This is not a typical weather event – it has the potential to be a significant and historic storm that poses a serious risk to life. The alert for Tipperary is valid from 6am to 12 noon on Friday, January 24. People are being urged not to travel on Friday during the red weather warning and to avoid unnecessary travel when it passes due to the extremely strong winds which will result in fallen trees and power lines, destruction to property, flying debris, and road blockages. A meeting of Tipperary County Council's severe weather and crisis management team was held on Wednesday afternoon with regard to the severe weather and a further meeting will be convened on Friday to assess the situation. “Public safety is paramount,” said a council spokesperson. “Everyone must act responsibly to protect themselves and others while reducing pressure on emergency services and crews, who will be dealing with and responding to the aftermath of this extremely dangerous and destructive storm. If travel is not essential, stay indoors, secure property, and avoid unnecessary risks.” Postal deliveries will be affected across Tipperary. To ensure the safety of customers and staff there will be no postal deliveries of collections this Friday, January 24, and all post offices will remain closed. “If you are expecting an item, don't worry - tracking updates will be available on anpost.com and on the An Post app,” said a spokesperson. “Subject to conditions and power supplies we plan to deliver nationwide on Saturday to get your items to you as quickly as possible, and Post Offices will open as usual on Saturday from 9am to 1pm.” Read the full story by Eoin Kelleher here Yesterday Amy Blaney KILKENNY Kilkenny is bracing itself for one of the most severe storms Ireland has ever seen. The county, along with the rest of the country, will come to a standstill tomorrow as it battens down the hatches to wait out the worst of Storm Éowyn. Kilkenny County Council is urging the public to stay indoors with gusts of wind in excess of 130kmh posing "danger to life” across the country according to Met Éireann. Gardaí in Kilkenny are asking people make sure that outdoor items such as garden furniture or trampolines are not turned into “weapons" by the wind and are properly stored to ensure they don't blow away and cause injury to a person or damage to a property. A status red wind warning will come into effect for Kilkenny, along with counties Carlow, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford from 2am Friday, January 24 and will stay in place until 10am Friday, January 24. For the duration of the warning, Kilkenny can expect danger to life, extremely dangerous travelling conditions, unsafe working conditions and disruption and cancellations to public transport. There will be many fallen trees across the county, along with significant and widespread power outages and impacts to communications networks. Some buildings may also suffer from structural damage due to the force of the winds expected to hit the county. Kilkenny County Council's severe weather assessment team are urging the public to not travel during the status red weather warning and to remain indoors. A spokesperson for the council added that ahead of the unprecedented weather event tomorrow, the public most ensure their property is safely secured. All schools in Co Kilkenny will be closed for the full day on Friday. Read the full story by Aisling Bolton-Dowling here: Yesterday Amy Blaney Weather Warnings Recap: Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford from 9pm Thursday to 5am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford from 2am Friday until 10am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Clare, Galway from 3am Friday until 11am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo from 4am Friday to 12pm Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Roscommon, Tipperary from 6am Friday until 11am Friday. Status Red - Wind warning for Donegal from 7am Friday until 2pm Friday. Status Orange - Wind warning for Ireland from 00.00 Friday until 4pm Friday. Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford from 9pm Thursday until 5am Friday. Status Yellow - Wind warning for Donegal from 4pm Friday to 11pm Friday. Yesterday Amy Blaney The Irish Kidney Association's Munster Kidney Support Centre located beside Cork University Hospital (CUH) is providing overnight accommodation for some Cork health staff and dialysis patients due to the storm. Four renal nurses are staying in the Irish Kidney Association Munster renal support centre and one dialysis patient and haemodialysis treatment at CUH which normally begin at 7am are being deferred until 12 noon tomorrow, Friday Beaumont Hospital in Dublin is closing the dialysis unit and will be re-scheduling dialysis sessions over Saturday and Sunday. They have endeavoured to contact all patients affect by phone to let them know the new arrangements. Any queries to be directed to the dialysis unit in Beaumont Hospital. Eilish O'Regan
