Storm Darragh : Fri 6th /Sat 7th Dec 2024

Strongest winds in the midlands from say 23.00 to 05.00 remaining quite windy thereafter for some time. It will go from relatively calm to very strong winds in a short space of time later tonight. Looking like the SW, W and NW and SE and parts of the midlands getting the strongest winds but following the Orange weather criteria from Met Eireann for all the country ( actually the same warning as the Red so exercising extreme caution no matter what part of the country you are in ) .

Met Eireann updated commentary :

Storm Darragh has been named (6th – 7th December 2024)

Updated on 6th December 2024, valid until further notice 

LATEST UPDATES 

• Storm Darragh is developing into a dangerous and very impactful storm, bringing very strong and damaging winds, with dangerous gusts, which are expected to affect the whole country tonight (Friday) and into tomorrow (Saturday) morning.  
• Storm Darragh brings strong north-westerly winds, which is unusual for Ireland in terms of the combination of such strength and wind direction. This means extra care should be taken. Vulnerable trees and structures that may normally be sheltered from typical storms over Ireland could be more exposed to the strong winds this time around.  
• Met Éireann has issued red wind warnings for a number of west and northwest counties and for Wicklow in the east, while the rest of the country will be under an orange wind warning tonight and into tomorrow. The warnings can still evolve at this stage as more high-resolution model runs are analysed, so please stay close to the forecast for your area.  
• While the counties under red wind warning are expected to see extremely strong gusts (more than 130 km/h) and impacts derived of those, the orange wind warning should not be underestimated as it can bring gusts of up to 130 km/h. This wind strength is infrequent and dangerous and can also pose a threat to life and property. 

Expected impacts are:  

• Dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to travel
• Fallen trees
• Damage to power lines, power outages
• Structural damage, especially to temporary structures
• Loose debris
• Wave overtopping
• Potential river flooding brought by the heavy rain over saturated ground
• Surface water due to intense rainfall

• Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry: Coastal areas across the country but specially in the west and northwest, should be avoided, as the winds will be extremely dangerous  and can provoke wave overtopping.  
• Impacts will start to be felt across this evening and tonight, but power outages, fallen trees and difficult travelling conditions will still be felt after the warnings expire. Please consider any action you can take to prepare you, your family and your property for the arrival of this storm and follow guidance from your local authority and emergency management stakeholders for on-ground, real-time conditions (see below for more safety guidance). 

Met Éireann Meteorologist, Liz Walsh, explains:  

“Storm Darragh will be a significant and impactful weather event. Strong winds are expected across all parts of the Island. The most intense and damaging gusts are expected to occur tonight and early Saturday morning, especially in, but not limited to, the areas under red warning alerts.  

Red warnings are issued when rare and very dangerous weather conditions are expected. We ask people to follow the instructions and advice given by the authorities and be prepared; take action and secure any loose objects ahead of the storm and plan your journeys safely, especially if you need to be out on Saturday morning as there could be trees or power lines down.  

There will also be heavy rain associated with Storm Darragh which may lead to some localised flooding, along with hazardous travelling conditions.”  

SAFETY FIRST – HOW TO STAY SAFE IN EXTREME WEATHER 

• Stay up-to date with the forecast and the warnings for your county on met.ie, the Met Éireann app or Met Éireann socials (@meteireann).   
• Check in with your local authority and emergency management stakeholders (Irish Coast Guards, Gardaí, etc) via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be/is affected.  
• Ensure your mobile is phone is fully charged to enable communication in advance of the event and keep local emergency numbers in your phone.  
• Keep a small amount of food, medical and water supplies in case it’s dangerous to step out of the home.  
• While on the road in strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.    
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and the emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and to report such cases immediately.  ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. 
• You can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times  
• Stay away from coastal areas during the period. Remember the advice from the Irish Coast Guard: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.    
• Don’t try to walk, cycle or drive through flooded areas, the depth of the water can be deceiving.   
• Remember: As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.  

Can see the lighter cloud off the main band, occluded front , curving in towards the country containing the strongest winds.

Strongest winds atm