Storm Boelo puts Mayo under Status Orange wind alert

Mayo County Council is urging the public to exercise caution and prepare for challenging weather conditions

A Status Orange has been issued for Mayo for tomorrow as Storm Boelo brings gale force westerly winds with severe and damaging gusts.

The warning comes into effect at 2 p.m. on Saturday and runs until 9 a.m. on Sunday.

The warning has impacted on the two county championship finals due to take at Hastings Insurance McHale Park tomorrow as they have been moved to Sunday and Monday.

According to Met Eireann, the public should prepare for the following impacts.

Damage to already weakened structures.

Damage to power lines, power outages.

Disruption and delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus, ferry).

Fallen trees.

Large coastal waves.

Loose objects displaced.

Coastal flooding where winds onshore.

Very difficult travelling conditions, dangerous conditions at sea.

In a statement, Mayo County Council is urging the public to exercise caution and prepare for challenging weather conditions as a series of weather warnings come into effect across the county this weekend.

A Status Yellow Rain Warning will be in place for Mayo from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with spells of heavy rain expected to result in difficult travelling conditions, localised flood-ing and possible disruption to outdoor activities.

A Status Orange Wind Warning will then come into effect from 2 p.m. on Saturday until 9 a.m on Sunday, as Storm Boelo brings gale force westerly winds with severe and potentially damaging gusts.

Forecast impacts include fallen trees, damage to power lines, power outages, dangerous coastal conditions, large waves, coastal flooding and significant disrup-tion to transport services.

A Status Yellow Wind Warning will remain in place following the Orange Warning, running from 1 p.m. on Saturday until 12.00 noon on Sunday, with strong winds continuing to cre-ate hazardous travel conditions and the potential for further disruption.

Mayo County Council is advising members of the public to:

· Avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of severe weather.

· Take extra care on roads, particularly in exposed coastal and upland areas.

· Secure outdoor furniture, bins, signage and other loose items around homes and businesses.

· Stay away from seafronts, piers, cliffs and coastal walkways due to the risk of large waves and dangerous sea conditions.

· Be aware of the possibility of fallen trees, debris and localised flooding.

· Charge mobile phones and ensure essential supplies are available in case of power outages.

· Monitor weather updates and follow advice issued by emergency services and weather authorities.

Mayo County Council's emergency response crews will be on standby throughout the week-end and are closely monitoring the evolving situation.

The council is encouraging all mem-bers of the public to stay informed, heed weather warnings and prioritise their safety during the period of unsettled weather.