As Storm Éowyn approaches overnight from the Atlantic, walkers are reminded to take all precautions ahead of what is looking like a very strong and life threatening storm. We’ve been asked by the National Emergency Coordination Group chief Keith Leonard to remind you that this will be one of the most dangerous storms that we’ve ever faced. And even as we look out the window at the afternoon sunshine here in Sligo, that phrase ‘calm before the storm’ has never been more relevant. So, time to hunker down, see off the storm and hopefully get out and about as soon as it’s safe to do so.
With a long night (and most of Friday) ahead of us, keep the following in mind.
1. Stay indoors while the storm persists, so make sure you have enough of everything (but no panic buying – it’s going to be over in under 12 hours!) and get some candles in case of power outages and ensure phones and torches are fully charged.
2. Don’t go out if you can avoid it as the weather warnings come into place. Plan your evening. At the moment they tell us that the Status Red alert comes into play for Sligo at 4am and that the worst of the weather won’t be over until at least 12pm midday on Friday. And remember that it is expected to stay windy for the remainder of tomorrow and into the weekend. So, if you need to get out for a walk with the dog, do so this evening and be aware that all times are approximate so when you feel the winds getting up, it may be time to head for home.
3. Don’t go near any coastal or woodland areas during the storm itself. Not only will you be putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of those who may have to come and rescue you. High winds could see overtopping at coastal areas and the forests, already having come through Storm Darragh, may lose a lot of trees whose structures became unstable during the last storm. Coillte have been on to us to ask people to stay away from the forests at Knocknarea, Rathcarrick, Benbulben, Hazelwood, Union Wood, Slish Wood, Glenwood and elsewhere until they can check for storm damage. They do have teams ready to be activated as soon as the storm subsides, but wait until you get word that it’s safe to do so before entering the forests.
4. Tie down any items in your back garden that might get blown away, including garden furniture, trampolines, etc., and secure anything else that might act as a sail or cause damage in any other way. Try to do this later on today before darkness falls.
5. As schools and many businesses will remain closed, stay indoors for the duration of the storm, stay safe and we’ll keep you informed as we get word from the Emergency Services and other bodies charged with getting things back to normal after Storm Éowyn subsides. Don’t be tempted to go down to the shop in the car, trees may be down on roads so plan for what lies ahead and stay put in your home. As Met Éireann have warned us – ‘cancel everything until the storm has passed.’
Check the Sligo Walks social channels for updates as we receive them on Facebook and Twitter – and if you take photos that should be shared more widely about trees down or any danger in your community, please tag #sligowalks and we’ll let our followers know.