'Shelter in place' - urgent advice issued to those impacted by status red rain warnings

As Storm Bert bears down on Ireland, those in the counties impacted by status red rain warnings are being advised to "shelter in place".

Several warnings have been issued by Met Éireann which says parts of west Galway and west Cork are likely to experience the worst of the weather and the highest accumulations of rainfall.

Status red warnings, which have been issued for both counties, are due to come into effect at midnight while a status orange or status yellow warning has been issued for every other county - click here for details.

Met Éireann is predicting very strong winds and heavy rain across the country, which could lead to localised flooding, travel disruption and fallen trees.   

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The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management, Met Éireann and relevant agencies met earlier this Friday and crews across the country have been placed on standby and will be deployed where required, once it is safe to do so.

Commenting afterwards, Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said conditions will be challenging in many areas overnight and early on Saturday.

"Local Authority severe weather teams are activated and are preparing for the storm’s approach.  For those in areas affected by red level rain and wind warnings, I would particularly stress that the safest advice for those affected is to shelter in place and do not travel during the duration of the warning," he said. 

"As weather events are changeable ones, members of the public should monitor Met Éireann’s ongoing advice and act accordingly. Essential Service Operators will link with Met Éireann aiming to continue operations subject to the prevailing local conditions.  Even after the storm has passed, there is a strong possibility of road flooding or fallen trees so drivers are urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm," he added.

Becoming very wet & windy tonight as#StormBert tracks to the NW of Ireland. ️ ⚠️

Heavy rain will extend across the country, causing flooding in some areas. ️

Falls of sleet & snow are possible in the N & NW. ️

Very strong and gusty S to SE winds. pic.twitter.com/QV9CFZQlNq

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) November 22, 2024

Members of the public across the country are being advised that rain and winds will be a factor overnight and early in most places tomorrow.

"I would urge you to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’. Also, dangerous travelling conditions are possible and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations," added Mr Leonard.

Ahead of the arrival of Storm Bert, a number of events planned for this weekend have already been cancelled or postponed.

The Road Safety Authority is advising road users in areas affected by the status red warning to avoid any travel during the storm window and it is advising all road users to take extreme care over the weekend.