STORM ELEANOR UPDATE: Bantry and Clonakilty may be at risk of flooding

ADVICE on dealing with this evening’s weather alert has been issued by Cork County Council, which says that Bantry and Clonakilty may be worst hit by flooding.      

Met Eireann has issued a Level Orange weather warning as Storm Eleanor approaches. Strong winds are predicted with the potential for coastal flooding for Co Cork from 4pm to 10pm tonight. ‘Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team has convened in response to the weather warning and has assessed the information. Response crews have been put on notice and are on standby,’ a statement said.  

The entire Cork County area is subject to the Level Orange wind warning. Coastal flooding is also a possibility, with Bantry and Clonakilty identified as being at greatest risk in West Cork. The Council would encourage residents and businesses in those areas to take any necessary precautions.  

The Council is contactable at the following numbers:   Outside of normal business hours ("out of hours"): emergency issues should be reported to 021 4800048. Monday to Friday 9am-5pm: please contact your local Council office, or alternatively contact the "out of hours" number above (for emergency issues)  

The strong winds may give rise to localised power outages. In the event of disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1850372999. In the event of disruption to water supply, please contact Irish Water at 1850278278.

In the meantime, we urge people to pay particular attention to the following:    

At Home – Before the Storm

  ·         Tie down loose items outside that cannot be brought in. ·         If time allows, shop nearby for essential food items such as dry foods and drinks, ·         Have a torch, spare batteries and a battery radio ready ·         Stay indoors – preferably downstairs – 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     Keep the items listed below in your home so they can become your emergency kit for use in all types of emergencies: ·         Battery-operated radio (with spare batteries). ·         Torch (with spare batteries) ·         First-Aid kit and manual. ·         Medications e.g., asthma inhalers, toiletry and sanitary supplies. ·        

Consider the needs of infants, the aged and people with disabilities. ·         A mobile phone, spare battery and charger. ·         Extra car and house keys. ·         Copies of important family documents e.g. your insurance files etc.  

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.