MOTORISTS in Kerry have now been advised not to travel on the roads during the peak of Storm Hannah which is currently rapidly whipping its way towards the county.
Kerry is currently on the high end of a Status Orange warning and it could be upgraded to red before mid afternoon.
The Severe Weather Local Coordination Team – which includes council management, Kerry Fire and Rescue Service, An Garda Síochána, Kerry Civil Defence and the Health Service Executive – has met again to make preparations ahead of the severe weather conditions which are forecast from 4.00pm this evening. The team will meet again at 2.00pm and will continue to monitor the situation through the night.
Very strong winds and severe gusts are expected until Saturday morning at 5.00am. A Status Orange warning is the second highest level of warning which is issued by the national forecaster and members of the public should make necessary preparations and take necessary precautions.
Winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of up to 130km/h and Met Éireann is advising the public to prepare for disruption and power outages.
The Local Coordination Team is advising that there is a likelihood of structural damage which may pose a hazard to road users and pedestrians.
When travelling tomorrow, motorists should be mindful of the likelihood of fallen trees and branches and fallen power lines, particularly during Friday night and early on Saturday morning.
The Local Coordination Team is asking members of the public to take necessary precautions for high winds, including securing items or property such as hoarding, signage and garden furniture.
The owners of properties where there are current construction works or items such as scaffolding, hoarding or cranes should secure all such items and materials which are vulnerable to strong winds
Members of the public are advised to avoid walking or cycling in exposed coastal areas and on high ground for the duration of the weather warning
Power outages should be notified to ESB Networks on 1850 372999. Any other emergencies can be reported to Kerry County Council’s Emergency Line on 066-7183588 from 6.00pm and throughout the duration of the weather event.
Where there is a significant emergency or risk to human life, members of the public should call 999.
Kerry County Council personnel will be on standby to deal with any issues which arise.
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