Ireland Prepares To Face Storms, Schools And Public Transports Closed

UNSPLASH/NOAA ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Ireland and Northern Ireland are preparing for a storm that officials say could be one of the most dangerous storms they have ever faced. Authorities decided to close schools, universities, and public transport.

The Irish and British weather agencies issued red-wind warnings of the highest level of vigilance for the entire Ireland, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland.

It is predicted that winds traveling up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour from Hurricane Eowyn could be catastrophic.

Community safety is our main goal in the next 24 hours. The main message remains that people need to take shelter on the spot, Keith Leonard, chairman of the Irish National Emergency Coordination Group, reported by Reuters, Thursday, January 23.

This is one of the most dangerous storms Ireland has ever faced. We will see a large number of fallen trees tomorrow and many people will live without electricity, broadband, and water supplies," he continued.

Officials say this is the first time the entire Ireland has received a red weather warning since Hurricane Ophelia in 2017 that killed three people.

All schools in Ireland and Northern Ireland will close on Friday, January 24 and public transport will not operate in Ireland as long as the red wind warning is in effect.

The red warning will begin in Northern Ireland from 07.00 a.m. to 14.00 p.m. and in the western and central regions of Scotland from 10.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m., the British Meteorological Office said.