Storm Barra latest: 20 trees reported down, orange weather takes effect from 9pm

Latest:

Storm Barra’s Red weather warning is to be downgraded from 9pm tonight.

An orange weather warning is to be in place overnight.

Cork City Council’s Customer Service Unit will remain open for non-emergency service requests until 9 pm. this evening on 021 4924000. After 9pm, requests can be put through to the out-of-hours number 021 4966512.

From 9pm onwards tonight, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are being warned to exercise caution, should they travel, as fallen trees, debris and surface water remain on many roads.

The council outlined that most of this cannot be removed or cleaned up until tomorrow morning due to the red weather alert. 

 “Cork City Council crews can only undertake works if there was a risk to life. Inspections of key locations where fallen trees have been reported will take place after 9pm after the red warning has been lifted, and these locations will be made safe.” 

At least 20 fallen trees have been reported across the city and powerlines have also fallen. Cork City Fire Brigade and ESB crews have been busy responding to incidents across the city.

Works will commence in daylight to address any further issues. Recovery and clean-up operations will continue over the coming days.

Earlier today, Cork City Council had to close a road at Kilcully due to dangerous powerlines.

High tide ed in Cork city centre this morning with floodwaters flowing across South Mall from the riverside quays at Morrisons Island. Flood level peaked at 2.68 metres.

During the red alert, Cork City Council is advising the public:

• Stay at home. Don’t make any unnecessary journeys.
• If you must travel, take care when driving as conditions will be hazardous.
• Stay away from exposed quays, coasts, rivers and lakes.
• Stay away from any fallen electricity lines or trees. Watch out for fallen debris.
• Take measures to secure any loose outdoor items such as temporary structures, Christmas decorations, trampolines etc Householders and builders should secure all construction sites.
• Continue to monitor Met Eireann and Cork City Council social media and websites for updates 
• A number of road closures and traffic restrictions are necessary. Any restrictions will be eased as appropriate.
• In case of an emergency, please ring 999 or 112.
• Cork City Council’s Customer Service Unit (CSU) is operating until 9 pm tonight. The CSU can be ed on 021-4924000. After 9pm, incidents of fallen trees and debris can be reported to the out-of-hours number on 021 4966512.
• The ESB can be ed at 1800 372 999.

Earlier:

The Department of Education is advising that all schools that are currently or forecast to be in a Red or Orange alert area should remain closed tomorrow. 

This will allow for assessment of the impact of Storm Barra to take place.

This includes counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Wexford.

Schools that are no longer in a Red or Orange Alert area can reopen, provided that, if there are concerns, school managers have had an opportunity to check for fallen wires and other serious damage in the vicinity of school buildings. If an individual school (in a yellow area) is still experiencing a particular local issue relating to the storm the Board of Management can make a decision to remain closed for tomorrow.

All schools are advised to keep up-to-date with the current weather warnings which are carried on all national and local news bulletins and in particular any change in the status warning for their area.

EARLIER

Incredible footage taken from inside of the lantern of the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse this morning during Storm Barra has been shared on social media. 

The video was taken by Paul Barron who is working at the lighthouse along with Ronnie O'Driscoll, Dave Purdy and Malcolm Gillies

The view was posted by Cape Clear Ferry Service who operates ferries to Cape Clear Island from Baltimore and Schull as well as touring the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.

Posting the video the management team said: "It certainly gives greater appreciation and iration not only for how solid the design and construction of the tower is, but also for the mental agility of the former Lighthouse keepers who stayed out on the rock for many weeks at a time and faced many a storm, and without phones or broadband I hasten to add! 

"Wonderfully unique too, to see the lighthouse from a different perspective!"

Earlier: Additional space has been made available at the Cork Simon shelter in the city tonight as Storm Barra continues to cause consternation across the county.

Posting on Facebook, the Cork Simon team said they had a lot of extra people in their emergency shelter and night light service on Monday night.

The charity has also created some extra spaces temporarily in some of their high houses to make sure they have enough space for everybody that needs it.

The charity intends to keep the additional beds available until the bad weather subsides considerably.

“We’ll keep these measures in place until the red, orange and yellow weather alerts are stood down.” 

Cork Simon took the time to thank staff and volunteers that helped create the additional beds for people in need.

“A big thank you to everyone who has pitched-in to help make sure everyone can be as safe and protected as possible from Storm Barra.

“This is Cork at its very best.”