Storm Barra: Orange Alert for Meath - What you need to know

- Schools operating under Orange and Red Weather Alerts (including Meath) should not open according to Department of Education

- Gardai urging people not to make any unnecessary journeys as 'weather bomb' approaches.

As Storm Barra approached Ireland Met Eireann has issued a range of weather warnings with Meath seeing an Orange Alert comer into effect at 8am on Tuesday (07/12/2021) and remaining in effect until 1pm (07/12/2021)

Met Éireann has issued orange and red wind warnings for the west coast which will come into effect from tomorrow at 6am, Tuesday 7th to 6am Wednesday 8th December, 2021. The wind will be the biggest risk but there will also be very heavy rain. This rain is in conjunction with high tides creates a significant flood and tide-lock risk.

The Department of Education has advised schools under the Orange and Red Alerts - which includes Meath - should not open tomorrow.

Status orange wind warnings are in place for Dublin, Limerick, Louth, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Wicklow and east Meath.

A statement from the Dept of Education read: "Met Éireann has advised that there is a strong possibility that the status of parts of these counties currently in status orange are likely to change and escalate to status red.

"The Department is advising that all schools covered by the Red Alert and Orange warning from Met Éireann should not open tomorrow, 7th December.

Meath County Council has advised that coastal flooding is expected. "You are advised Not To Enter the Water or Swim during this period."

"All schools should keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area."

The Department of Education says it's advising schools to stay closed tomorrow due to the "significant nature" of the storm.

The heaviest impacts of 'Storm Barra' will be felt particularly in the West, with Cork, Kerry and Clare in a status red warning. Limerick and Galway are expected to go to a status red warning. Orange marine warnings are already in place, and these are also valid on land in coastal regions.

Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare are also expected to be severely impacted from 6am Tuesday until 11am Tuesday morning, 7th December, 2021.

An Garda Síochána would like to advise that:

• All unnecessary travel should be avoided where Red and Orange level wind warnings are in place. These winds will make driving conditions hazardous, especially for more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

• Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, flying debris and flooded roads.

• High seas and wave activity will make coastal areas hazardous. The public are advised to stay away from coastal areas/cliff walks during this period.

• People are advised to remove or secure patio and garden furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings.

• Those involved in building work should review hoarding and scaffolding in light of heavy rain and winds expected.

• Members of the public should stay away from any fallen power lines, members of the public should assume that they are live. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410

• People are advised not to park any vehicle in an area that may be prone to flooding.

• People who are considering recreation activities in waterways / coast line areas are asked to reconsider this, as it may result in Emergency Services being called to attend and diverting them from other issues.

• Local authorities will provide updated information on flooding and local conditions. People are advised to follow updated weather forecasts throughout the weekend.

We advise the public to regularly monitor Met.ie as regular updates will be provided throughout the next two days.