Storm Callum, the third storm of the winter storm season, is set to move over Ireland over the next 24 hours.
With wind speeds expected to reach over 130km in coastal areas and an orange wind warning in place, homeowners are being advised to secure any items outside their homes including trampolines, bins, and furniture on balconies.
Following a meeting of the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) at 3 pm, the Department of Education has released a statement advising schools and colleges to ‘err on the side of caution’. Schools and colleges may choose to close throughout the evening and morning:
Schools and all education centres (universities, IoTs and further education centres) in areas affected by a status orange alert should remain vigilant, and keep themselves appraised of any hourly and other updates from Met Éireann, and from their local authorities, local radio, and an Garda Síochána.
In all events, and if in any doubt, schools should err on the side of caution. Schools are empowered to make closure decisions if, in their judgment in the interests of child safety, it is prudent to do so.
Any and all decisions about school closures will be informed by, as well as prevailing and predicted conditions, any damage that might have been caused to school buildings overnight or at any time during the storm, and whether such damage, – where it exists, – might present a risk to child safety.We will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and will follow any advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group.”
Wicklow Mountains National Park, the Garden of Remembrance, Arbour Hill Cemetery, Grangegorman Military Cemetery, People’s Gardens, Phoenix Park and Donegal Castle will close tomorrow. The attractions may open later in the day if emergency services find the areas safe.
Aer Lingus has canceled a number of flights to Europe due to Storm Callum. Click here to find out if you’ve been impacted. Shannon Airport will operate as normal. Dublin Bus and Iarnroid Eireann have yet to announce cancellations.
RSA Ireland is warning drivers not to attempt to drive through areas affected by flooding.
Further closures and delays will continue to be announced locally rather than nationally.
