Schools and preschools across Clare to be impacted by Storm Debi

THE majority of schools and preschools across Clare are expected to remain closed until 10am on Monday due to safety concerns associated with Storm Debi.

Met Éireann has issued status red wind warnings for several counties, including Clare and east Galway, while status orange warnings have been issued for most counties, including Limerick, Tipperary and kerry.

The National Directorate for Emergency and Fire Management (NDFEM) called a National Emergency Coordination Group meeting this Sunday with Met Éireann, the OPW, local authorities, principal response agencies, key Departments and responding national organisations to prepare for the bad weather which is expected to impact Ireland from the early hours of Monday.

Following that meeting, Keith Leonard, director-general of the NDFEM urged members of the public to be vigilant to and to exercise caution as Storm Debi passes over the country.

“Travel in counties under a red warning is not advised until the alert has finished. Furthermore, all road users should only travel where necessary and be aware of the potential for hazardous travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles, cyclists and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable during this time," he said.

Andrew brings you the latest warnings relating to #StormDebi directly from Met Éireann HQ.

Read more here https://t.co/BoUueCIxKa pic.twitter.com/tXUhTrMKTD

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) November 12, 2023www.clarelive.ie

Mr Leonard has appealed to employers to consider allowing staff to work from home, where possible and he confirmed that schools and preschools are being asked to open later than normal.

"On the balance of risk and to ensure public safety all schools and preschools, are being asked to delay opening in orange and red counties until 10am on Monday. School managers at local level will advise parents of any disruption to school services," read a statement.

Some schools in Clare have already informed parents and staff that they will not open until 10am while others are expected to confirm their arrangements later this Sunday night. 

Bus Éireann says school transport services will not operate on Monday morning in counties under a status red or status orange warning. However, afternoon services will operate as normal, subject to local road conditions being safe to travel.

Ahead of the arrival of Storm Debi, Clare County has activated its Crisis Management Team and all relevant agencies in Limerick have been placed on standby as have crews from Met Éireann.

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A spokesperson for the local authority said: "Clare County Council has made preparations in advance of Storm Debi and its associated wind and rain warnings. Crews will be on standby and will assess and respond to the effects of the storm. The Council is advising members of the public to exercise caution on Sunday night and Monday morning.

"People should stay away from coastal areas. There is a risk of wave overtopping. The advice is to stay back, stay high, stay dry."

According to Met Éireann, potential impacts during Monday's bad weather include damage to exposed and vulnerable structures, dangerous travelling conditions, disruption to services and damage to power lines.

Stay with clarelive.ie and our social media platforms for updates on Storm Debi