UPDATE: Clare upgraded to Status Red wind warning

THE weather warning issued for county Clare on Tuesday, December 7, has been upgraded from orange to red.

CLARE County Council is one of a number of bodies to issue a weather warning in advance of the arrival of Storm Barra on Tuesday with disruptions to power supply and travel likely.

An Orange wind warning had been issued for County Clare, among others on the western seaboard, but Clare along with Kerry and Cork has been upgraded to red.

Gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour along with heavy rain is expected to lead to coastal or spot flooding and dangerous driving conditions.

The warning for Clare is live from 4pm tomorrow and will run until 1am on Wednesday.

Met Eireann had issued a red warning forecasting violent Storm Force 11 winds during Tuesday on Irish coastal waters from Mizen Head to Loop Head to Slyne Head.

The Coast Guard is appealing to all mariners and coastal communities to be mindful of the severe weather warnings and to note the imminent arrival of Storm Barra.

The Coast Guard is also appealing to anybody considering any form of coastal or open water recreation to be mindful of the risk posed by forecasted Storm conditions.

Walkers are advised to avoid any exposed areas, including seafront and cliff walkways, as they may be hit by sudden gusts, exposing themselves to unnecessary danger.

All other forms of open water recreation should be avoided, including by experienced practitioners, as it may result in arousing public concerns and causing rescue services to be alerted.

The Status Orange wind warning for Clare is valid from 6am Tuesday, December 7, to 6am on Wednesday, December 8.

Southerly winds, later becoming northwesterly, will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/hr with severe or damaging gusts of up to 130km/hr, possibly higher in coastal areas. Disruption to power and travel are likely.

High waves, high tides, heavy rain and storm surge will lead to wave overtopping and a significant possibility of coastal flooding.

Clare County Council is advising members of the public to exercise caution and says people should stay away from coastal areas.

Clare added to Status RED counties for tomorrow. #StormBarra pic.twitter.com/uy9z4pUsCY

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) December 6, 2021

There are particular risks during storms on high ground and people are asked to avoid being outdoors at such locations.

Road users should be vigilant for any fallen trees and debris on roads over the coming days, as well as the possibility of localised flash flooding. Essential travel only is advised for the duration of the storm.

Business owners, caravan parks, homeowners and members of the public are advised that caravans should be securely tied down and any street furniture, including parasols and awnings, should be taken indoors or fully secured.

Clare County Council will be monitoring the situation for any changes in the weather forecast. Please check Met Éireann for updates.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the next few days following Met Eireann’s weather warning.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey. The following advice is being given to road users.

Motorists:
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.

Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed.

Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.

Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions, to avoid the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers should also leave a bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front.

If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.

Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.

After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.

Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists:

In areas affected by Orange Weather Warnings you should consider postponing your journey until conditions improve.

Visibility and light is reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Walk on a footpath, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.

Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

Cyclist should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike such as bright and light reflective items.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, there is severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

The RSA also invites people to view their severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion. See advice with advice for driving in strong winds.

For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website: www.met.ie