Wicklow National Mountains Park is to remain closed as Storm Barra’s high winds continue to hit Wicklow.
et Eireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for the county, which will remain in place until 4 p.m. with a Status Yellow alert in place for coastal waters and the Irish sea.
Forecasters said: “due to Storm Barra, northwest winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65 km/h and gusts of up to 100 km/h with localised stronger winds likely.”
Some schools in the county are to remain shut today due to the high winds. The HSE has also confirmed that the Killadreenan Covid-19 test centre remains closed however, the Shoreline Leisure Covid-19 vaccination centre is now open.
Here are some of the incidents of note today:
- Wicklow County Council said the Bray will remain closed to the public due to high winds. The Avoca recycling centre has opened and all other recycling centres are open, but may close at short notice if weather conditions deteriorate.
- Wicklow National Mountains Park Information Office is also closed due to strong winds. Visitors have been advised not to visit the park during this period, and in particular to avoid all woodland areas.
- Belmont Demesne is also closed.
- Firefighters from Greystones responded to a call after a trampoline flew across the railway and landed in a garden in Marina Village on Tuesday night.
- There are numerous reports of fallen trees across the county and road users have been advised to take extra care due to the risk of debris. Wicklow County Council said its staff and crews are working hard to remove and clear all areas.
- There are also reports of a power line down across road in Gorteen area of Tinahely.
- Power outages have been reported in areas of Bray, Rathdrum, Shillelagh, Carnew and Avoca. While power has been restored to many homes and businesses affected, ESB Networks estimate that power will be restored to other affected areas during the afternoon
- Snowfall has been reported near Glencree, which is hampering the clean-up.
- A number of schools informed parents this morning that they will not re-open as high winds continue to batter the county.
The Department of Education had yesterday advised that schools that are no longer in a Status Red or Orange Alert area can re-open today.
While the alert for Dublin and Wexford is orange, the alert for County Wicklow is status yellow.
Tweeting the Department of Education and Met Eireann last night, Deputy Jennifer Whitmore requested an update on Storm Barra. “Things are much wilder here now than all day today, and both Dublin and Wexford on orange alert for tomorrow,” she wrote. “Parents wondering about whether to send children into school tomorrow, Thanks!” The TD did not receive a response.
Wicklow is now under a Status Yellow wind warning that will remain in place until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8. A Status Orange wind alert for the Garden County ended at 1 p.m. yesterday.
The department has said that schools outside of Red or Orange Alert areas can reopen provided that, where there are concerns, school managers have had a chance to check for fallen wires or other damage. If a school in a yellow warning area is still experiencing a particular issue relating to the storm, the Board of Management can make a decision to remain closed, the department has said.
The Irish Coast Guard has advised walkers to avoid any exposed areas, including seafront and cliff walkways due to the risk of sudden gusts.
Wicklow County Council urged the public to remain vigilant when out and about today.
Fallen trees on roads, localised flooding and other storm issues can be reported to Wicklow County Council on 0404 20100.
In the event of a significant emergency or threat to safety, phone 999.
