Storm Alert: From Car Insurance, School Closures To Health Services: Here's What You Need To Know

All non-urgent hospital appointments will be cancelled tomorrow due to Storm Éowyn.

We're facing a significant, historic storm with winds possibly hitting speeds never recorded here before.

Kildare is under a red weather alert from 6am on Friday until 12pm.

Health

All non-urgent hospital appointments will be cancelled tomorrow due to Storm Éowyn.

The HSE says critical emergency services will continue to run, including prenatal care for expectant mothers.

Emergency Departments will remain open, however, the public is asked only to attend A&E for serious illnesses and injuries.

Where people are in receipt of specialist and time critical services such as dialysis and cancer treatment, the treating unit will contact the patient directly if there are any changes to the schedule. Supports to vulnerable people at home in the community will be prioritised on an urgent needs basis during the hours of restricted travel (red hours).

There is changes to opening hours of Injury Units within the region;

• The Injury Unit based at Naas General Hospital will open at a later time of 1pm until 8pm.
• The Injury Unit located in Charter Medical, Mullingar who will open at the later time of 2pm until 8pm.

Speaking to Kfm, Kate Killeen White, REO HSE Dublin and Midlands said, “Every possible effort is being made to keep staff and patients safe, while maintaining essential services. It is essential that our staff and the public stay safe during this period of extreme weather. Non urgent appointments and routine services will not run on Friday. Do not travel to a HSE service or appointment unless you hear directly from us."

All non-urgent health services are cancelled on Fri, Jan 24 due to #StormÉowyn. This includes outpatient apts, primary care clinics, day care for older people, home help, therapies, and public health nursing. Emergency services remain operational. Check: https://t.co/smdQZWyRPC pic.twitter.com/FTm6fdD1EQ

— HSE Dublin and Midlands (@HSEDubMidlands) January 23, 2025

National Emergency Co-ordination Group

Keith Leonard, Chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, has given this warning to the public.

Schools

All schools and colleges and further education institutions will be closed for the full day tomorrow.

@MetEireann has issued a status red weather warning for the entire country

All Schools to close for the duration of the School Day on Friday#StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/0jPwIXG0hJ

— Department of Education (@Education_Ire) January 23, 2025

Post, Pensions and Shops

All Post Offices will be closed. Post will not be delivered.

Pensions due tomorrow can be collected on Saturday or next week.

Storm Ēowyn Impact on An Post postal deliveries and services for Friday: In accordance with the advice from the National Emergency Coordination Group and to ensure the safety of customers and An Post staff, there will be no postal deliveries or collections this Friday 24th Jan pic.twitter.com/DhKayKFNO3

— An Post (@Postvox) January 23, 2025

Shoppers are being urged to be prepared for the bad weather but not to go overboard.

Many retailers are expected to close during the Red wind alert tomorrow..

Photos of empty shelves appeared on social media during Storm Darragh with shoppers stockpiling on items such as milk and bread.

Retail Excellence Ireland's Jean McCabe says there's enough supplies to go around.

There’s a storm given to hit tonight, mostly in the early hours of the morning until 10/11am

High winds

Why do people panic buy, the state of the milk/bread section is mental 😅 pic.twitter.com/iadYiWZeJW

— The Life Of Brian (@DaytrippingRed) January 23, 2025

Aldi has confirmed it will close all of its stores for the duration of the red weather warning.

The supermarket chain says the decision has been made on safety grounds.

Updates will be available on Aldi Ireland's social media accounts.

Work

HR experts say it's important to plan ahead today for possible disruption.

Bosses are being told to arrange for remote working where possible.

Absence during extreme weather events

Extreme and severe weather events can impact on an employee’s ability to report for work and an employer’s ability to operate his/her business and to be able to provide work

For more information visit ➡️https://t.co/AYvnUPxy89 pic.twitter.com/2SqJufmPr6

— Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (@WRC_ie) January 23, 2025

Insurance

Insurance Ireland is urging the public to exercise caution as a red weather warning for strong winds is in place for Friday, January 24th.

Motorists are advised to avoid all non-essential travel and adhere to warnings from authorities.

While legal liability to others is covered by all motor insurance policies, storm damage to vehicles is only covered by comprehensive policies.  

🚨 Reminder: A red warning doesn’t affect your car insurance.
Stay safe - only travel if essential and exercise caution - crazy risk-taking could be considered 'contributory negligence' #StormEowyn #StormSafety

— Geraldine Herbert (@GerHerbert1) January 23, 2025

Third party fire and theft policies do not provide cover for storm damage to your car.

Comprehensive motor insurance covers car damage. Insurers will usually cover temporary repairs and alternative accommodation if necessary.

In terms of home insurance, in the event of damage, household and contents insurance typically covers storm-related damage to homes.

Householders are advised to contact their insurer or broker promptly after any incident.

Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of Insurance Ireland, said: “It's very important that people put safety first and heed the warnings regarding Storm Eowyn."

She added: "Our strong advice is that you don’t put yourself and emergency services personnel in unnecessary danger by driving during a red warning. In the event that your home or car is damaged, your insurer will be on standby to assist, and our advice is to contact them as quickly as possible.”

Kildare County Council Services

    Council offices will be closed on Friday, January 24th.
    Customers with appointments can rebook online at www.kildarecoco.ie/OnlineBookingSystem.
    A range of online services are available at www.kildarecoco.ie.
    For emergencies, call 1800 500 444. Expect high call volumes.
    For non-emergencies, email customerservice@kildarecoco.ie

Safety Advice And Important Contacts And Websites

    During red warnings: shelter in place, do not travel, public transport will not be operating.
    During orange warnings: limit travel to essential only, be aware of local conditions, driving conditions will be hazardous.
    Secure outdoor furniture, bins, and trampolines.
    Charge your mobile phone.
    Stay clear of fallen power lines and report them to ESB at 1800 372 999.
    Monitor power outages at www.PowerCheck.ie.
    Monitor water outages at www.water.ie or by calling Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.
    Monitor Met Éireann forecasts for updates at https://www.met.ie/.

Important Contact Numbers

    Life-threatening emergencies: 999 or 112
    Homeless Services: 1800 804 307 (5 PM to 9 PM on Friday, 12 PM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday)

ESB

The gale force winds are expected to lead to fallen trees and damage to power lines.

Siobhan Wynne, Regional Manager with ESB Networks, says they're hoping electricity services in the UK and France will be able to provide support with additional repair crews:

Travel

All public transport has been cancelled during the red warning.

Dublin Bus services will be suspended from 4am until 11am tomorrow due to the red weather warning.

It says services will be gradually reintroduced after 11am.

Barry Kenny from Irish Rail is warning of ongoing disruption to their services, even after red alerts have finished.

🚨During Status Red weather warnings on Friday 24th January for #StormÉowyn, there will be NO Intercity, DART or Commuter train services on the Iarnród Éireann network, with significant disruption likely afterwards also. 💨

Updates here and at https://t.co/QUMv5YSsQf @TFIupdates https://t.co/qntSUh8Fv7

— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) January 23, 2025

Storm Éowyn is a dangerous, damaging and destructive weather event with potential serious risk to life and injury for people who do not follow safety advice.

We are warning all members of the public that a status red severe weather warning means ‘shelter in place’. #StormEowyn pic.twitter.com/iWzYpKz3zx

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) January 23, 2025

Airport

Dublin Airport says there's a strong potential for delays and cancellations as the storm hits.

The DAA's Graeme McQueen says passengers should check with their airline for updates to flights.