ESB Networks issue public safety message ahead of the arrival of Storm Amy
ESB Networks say high winds are expected to cause damage to electricity infrastructure, particularly in counties that will be under Met Éireann’s Status Orange wind warning.
ESB Networks crews and partner contractors around the country are making the necessary preparations in advance and say their teams are mobilised.
Met Éireann has forecast that Storm Amy will bring extremely strong and gusty winds. Six counties - Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo- will be placed under a Met Éireann Status Orange wind warning from 2pm today until 10pm tonight during which damage to electricity infrastructure is anticipated.
A nationwide Status Yellow wind warning in effect from noon today until midnight will also see potentially damaging gusts across other counties until this evening which may impact the power network.
A spokesperson for ESB Networks said: "ESB Networks crews and partner contractors around the country have been making the necessary preparations in advance of the high winds, with teams mobilised.
"We continually monitor the forecasts and real time events on the electricity network and will deploy our crews to restore supply when it is safe to do so.
"ESB Networks crews will assess the full damage of Storm Amy, making the network safe and restoring electricity supply – and switching customers back remotely where possible. We will update power estimated restoration times as soon as we have assessed the network, and these will be available to view on www.PowerCheck.ie."
On a precautionary basis, ESB Networks is advising customers customers to consider preparations in the event of losing their electricity supply if their area is affected by Storm Amy. This could include having torches and spare batteries available, having phones charged, etc.
An Important Public Safety Message: If you come across fallen wires or damaged electricity network, never, ever touch or approach these as they are LIVE and extremely dangerous. Please report any damage to electricity infrastructure by calling 1800 372 999.