Storm Bram: Nationwide Status Orange Wind Warning Now Active

Met Éireann has issued Status Orange wind warnings for the majority of the country as Storm Bram brings very strong to gale force southerly winds with severe gusts across Ireland today.

Three separate Status Orange wind warnings are now in effect, covering 26 counties at various times throughout Tuesday, 9 December. The first warning, affecting nine counties including Cork, is already active and will remain in place until 15:00.

• Status Orange Wind Warning 1 (07:17-15:00): Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow
• Status Orange Wind Warning 2 (11:00-21:00): Cavan, Clare, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Westmeath, and all of Connacht (Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo)
• Status Orange Wind Warning 3 (14:00-21:00): Donegal

Impacts include flooding of low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tide, wave overtopping, difficult travel conditions, displaced debris and loose objects, disruption to outdoor events, and power outages.

A Status Yellow rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow, which came into effect at 21:00 last night, remains in place until 09:00 this morning.

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened yesterday morning to assess preparations for Storm Bram. Crews have been deployed and are monitoring known hotspots for flooding, with pumps being positioned and sandbags made available at several locations across the county.

The strongest winds are forecast along the coast, with severe gusts creating hazardous conditions on exposed roads and bridges. After a week of persistent rain, many rivers are approaching bank full conditions, with heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, increasing the risk of river flooding and surface water accumulation.

The council is advising residents to allow for disruption during this morning's commute, plan extra travel time and reduce speed. Motorists should expect surface water, debris and poor visibility, and should avoid driving through floodwater.

Residents should stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals, as water levels may rise quickly. Children and pets should be kept away from waterways and flooded areas. Coastal areas face particular risks from wave overtopping, storm surge and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations during high tide.

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to local area offices during working hours, or via Cork County Council's emergency number on 021 4800048, which will remain active out-of-hours during the event.

ESB Networks is warning the public to stay away from fallen live wires and report them immediately to ESB Emergency Services at 1800 372 999. Power restoration updates are available at www.PowerCheck.ie.

Uisce Éireann customers can contact their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278 with any issues or concerns.

Cork Safety Alerts freephone incident submission line remains open: 1800 938 106.

Residents are advised to monitor Met Éireann forecasts closely at www.met.ie, as conditions may change quickly.

The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."