Andrew Carey
andrew@limerickpost.ie
THE most serious weather warning has been listed for Limerick and its surrounding counties as Met Eireann advise that southerly winds of average speeds of 65 to 80km/h and gusts of 130 to 150km/h are expected to develop from 9pm this Wednesday through to 12 noon on Thursday.
The Red alert warning indicates that the gusts and winds are at the highest level as the county remains on full alert.
The strongest of the winds are likely to be evident in exposed coastal and mountain areas.
Met Eireann has also issued a yellow alert warning of heavy rainfall between now and 6pm on Thursday with up to 35mm expected in some places.
Limerick City and County Coumcil say that due to the Met Eireann weather warning, road gritting in Limerick may not commence until high winds have abated.
They have also said that the crisis Management team are on standby as are emergency services.
Unnecessary travel is to be avoided overnight according to Gardai who have asked road users to exercise extreme caution and to watch for, downed power lines, debris and fallen branches or trees.
A number of schools have indicated that they will be closed on Thursday but the Department of education and skills has said that decisions to close schools could be made locally.
People are asked to be mindful of elderly or vulnerable neighbours and that they should also be checked on given the gravity of the weather warnings in place.
