A Met Eireann Status Red Wind Warning which includes Galway is in place from 9.00am Monday morning. Gusts in excess of 130km/h are expected throughout Monday and into Monday night. There is a high risk of flying debris and householders and businesses are advised to secure material in gardens and other sites.
With the extremely windy weather, and the likely accompanying rain, the public is advised to exercise caution outdoors on Monday and to avoid exposed coasts. It is suggested that vulnerable family members and neighbours should be contacted in advance of the storm to see if they have all that they need.
On Monday afternoon, the winds will turn northeasterly and will contribute to a storm sea surge in Galway Bay. However, the overall tidal level is predicted to be below the critical level for flooding and as such there is low risk of coastal-flooding. Should further defences and other measures be required, they will be put in place. On-going monitoring of weather and sea forecasts will continue by Galway City Council staff in conjunction with other local and national agencies.
The basic message is to please stay safe.
Meanwhile, due to the status red weather warning, GMIT wishes to advise that its campuses in Mayo (Castlebar ), CCAM at Cluain Mhuire (Galway city ), Letterfrack and Mountbellew (Co Galway ) will be closed on Monday morning (16 October 2017 ). As of this lunchtime (Sun 15 Oct ) the Dublin Road, Galway city, campus will open as normal.
GMIT will post further information on its website homepage later this evening.
Members of the public have been urged to heed the advice of the Coast Guard as Met Éireann has issued a severe weather warning, Level Red, to affect western and southern coastal counties tomorrow Monday with severe weather, storm force winds, very high seas and storm surges on all coasts tomorrow.
With the onset of Hurricane Ophelia the Coast Guard is requesting members of the public to avoid any visits or walks to coastal or cliff areas. The storm is expected to be at its most severe from Monday morning with SW and West coast areas expected to experience the brunt of the storm. The Coast Guard is reminding the public of the dangers of visiting exposed coastal areas and to adhere to the core message of; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.
All mariners will be well aware of the onset of severe storm conditions and are reminded to pay additional attention to the sea area forecasts, noting that as the centre of the weather system approaches Ireland, localised changes are likely.
If you see someone in difficulty in the sea, on the shore dial 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Storm Ophelia continues to track towards Ireland and we expect to see the initial effects from 0300hrs tomorrow, Monday 16th October.
Due to the adverse weather effects forecasted to occur as a result of Storm Ophelia, please be advised that there maybe disruptions to flight operations for aircraft landing and departing at all Irish airports on Monday 16th October. Passengers intending to fly from Ireland West Airport should check their airlines website or contact their airline directly for the latest information.
