Just how serious is Storm Barra?
Storm Barra is set to hit Ireland fully on Tuesday morning, with Met Éireann warning that the severe weather could pose a threat to life.
The storm will rapidly deepen over the west and south coast on Monday evening, bringing very strong winds and heavy rain on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
Met Éireann have also warned that there is a risk of snow, as well as coastal flooding, due to the combination of high waves, storm surges and high tide.
Southwesterly winds, which will later veer northwesterly, will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h.
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Storm Barra: Schools and universities in 12 counties urged to close, hospitals face disruption
Severe or damaging gusts may reach speeds in excess of 130km/h.
Power and travel may be disrupted across the country.
What are the areas most affected?
There is a status red wind warning in place for counties Cork, Kerry and Clare. Cork and Kerry’s warning starts at 6am on Tuesday and lasts until 9pm that evening.
Clare will be under a red alert from 4pm on Tuesday until 1am on Wednesday.
Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Dublin, Louth, Wicklow and Meath are also under an orange wind warning.
However, Met Éireann have advised that there is a strong possibility that the status orange alerts will escalate to status red.
A red marine storm warning will also be in effect for Irish coastal waters from north Mayo to Cork city.
The rest of the country will be under a status yellow wind and rain warning, with Met Éireann saying that heavy rain may result in surface flooding.
There is also a risk of snow over the entire country, and flooding in coastal areas.
Is it okay to go out in the storm?
People in the affected areas are being advised to avoid all unnecessary journeys, meaning you should stay indoors if possible.
People on motorbikes, cyclists, and pedestrians should take extra care if they have to travel, and they should avoid coastal areas.
Motorists are also advised to be more wary while driving, and to look out for fallen trees and debris on the road.
The charity Alone urged older people to take extra care and called on members of the public to “check in with their older neighbours and relatives and assist them if they need to travel to the local shop, post office or medical appointments during the bad weather”.
What has been cancelled or closed?
The Department of Education, which oversees primary and secondary schools, has advised schools in red and orange alert counties to close.
The Department of Higher Education, which governs colleges, universities and further education institutes, has issued a similar statement, saying education institutions in red and orange alert counties should close also.
Creches, early learning and school-age childcare services in the 12 counties should not open tomorrow, according to the Department of Children. Services that close will receive Force Majeure funding, according to the department.
Bus Éireann services in Co Cork and Co Kerry will be suspended for the full day. Services in Co Clare will be suspended from 4pm on Tuesday until 1am on Wednesday. This cancellation will also apply to all routes operating into or out of the status red warning area including Expressway Route 51.
Some hospital appointments have been cancelled, and Covid-19 testing and vaccination centres in status red and orange counties have also been forced to close due to the storm. A list of the affected health services can be found here. The National Ambulance Service will prioritise emergency calls during this weather event but is urging the general public to think carefully before calling 999/112.
The Courts Service has also confirmed that all sittings in red alert counties have been cancelled.
The Department of Local Government said a large number of national parks and reserves including Killarney National Park and Muckross House would close on Tuesday and Wednesday. Powerscourt Estate in Co Wicklow will close from 8am until 1pm on Tuesday.
Aldi has also said its stores in Cork and Kerry will be closed all day Tuesday, and their Clare stores will shut at 3pm on Tuesday.
Lidl and Tesco stores in Cork and Kerry will also be closed all day.
How long is the storm expected to last?
According to Met Éireann, Storm Barra will gradually clear Ireland later on Wednesday and winds will slowly ease, with a more settled few days to end the week.