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Midlands to be included in status red warning category

A call to close schools across the midlands tomorrow has been issued by local weather man Cathal Nolan of Midland Weather Channel.

He expects the midlands to be included in the status red warning category by Met Eireann by morning and issued an appeal fia his weather paged.

"Despite the fact that the Midlands is currently outside of the red warning zone, this is likely to change by tomorrow morning. ALL schools must remain closed. This is a hurricane. It will be a classified category 1 hurricane when it impacts the country tomorrow. Please remain at home tomorrow if you can at all. This is a potentially deadly weather event.Advice issued to the public ahead of hurricane Ophelia"

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Coordination Group has issued a number of guidelines for the public ahead of the arrival of ex-hurrican Ophelia tomorrow, Monday October 16.

The ex-hurricane is expected to arrive in Kerry for 6am on Monday morning and will move up along the country throughout the day.

It has the potential to be “a life threatening event with the likelihood of significant destruction in worst affected areas”.

The advice is all unnecessary travel should be avoided on Monday, while the storm is passing.

Don’t travel in Red level warning areas during the height of the storm unless absolutely necessary, and take due care if travelling in all other areas.

A status Red warning has been issued for Wexford, Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford. These counties will experience severe winds, with gusts of up to 160kph.

In Westmeath, Meath, Longford, Offaly Laois, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Wicklow, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary, gusts of up to 140kph are forecast and these counties fall into the Orange category warning issued by Met Eireann.

Very strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, cyclists, pedestrian’s, motorcyclist and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.

Power outages are likely to occur in certain parts of the country, with contingency planning activated by the ESB. The ESB is advising the public to stay away from fallen cables that may have broken due to the high winds. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850372999.

Structural damage is possible anywhere, including the felling of trees and other debris, as well as the downing of power lines.

Bus Éireann’s schools transport services will not be operating in counties covered by Red level warnings. Because of the duty of care owed to children and to avoid the risk arising from travelling, the Department of Education and Skills is instructing all schools to act on the Department‘s advice and remain closed. Crèches and Montessori facilities should also remain closed tomorrow.

People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours tonight in advance of the oncoming severe weather conditions and again after the worst of the event has passed.

Listen to local radio and national media broadcasts regarding the current weather situation.

The storm front will track northwards on Monday night, exiting Irish coastal waters before midnight.