Wicklow residents could be facing disruptions to their electricity supply
THERE is a threat of an avalanche in the Wicklow Mountains if the expected snowfall comes to pass.
Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue has said that the current forecast which show consistent easterly and east-northeasterly winds with very low temperatures and heavy snow could lead to cornices building at the top of steep ground that faces west or south—Lugnaquilla’s south prison.
A spokesperson for the organisation said that ‘cornices can be very dangerous if they collapse, often triggering an avalanche. Other risks that may present next week are whiteout, drifting snow, and extreme windchill.’
The mountain rescue team will be on high alert over the coming days as the country prepares for snow, frost and freezing cold.
However the organisation is asking people intending on hill climbing to be prepared.
A spokesperson for the group said that this week is expected to be a challenging week weather-wise.
‘ This week could be a challenging time if the weather develops as forecast. We’re available, as usual, should we be required for mountain rescue or to provide humanitarian assistance. We would, however, like you to help us.
‘If you’re venturing out into the hills, please be prepared for winter conditions. Aside from your winter mountaineering equipment and skills, don’t forget to bring plenty of food and water, and preferably a warm drink.
‘You’ll also want plenty of extra insulation, a survival bag, and an emergency shelter. A first-aid kit, headtorch, whistle, and a fully charged phone are also essential. You should anticipate, and plan for, what you’ll do if something goes wrong.
‘ The expected conditions are unusual in Wicklow, so we must look out for hazards that are unusual for the area. The forecast shows consistent easterly and east-northeasterly winds, with very low temperatures and heavy snow. This could lead to cornices building at the top of steep ground that faces west or south – Lugnaquilla’s south prison, for example. Cornices can be very dangerous if they collapse, often triggering an avalanche. Other risks that may present next week are whiteout, drifting snow, and extreme windchill.
‘Driving conditions will be very difficult if the forecasted weather materialises. Our advice is to listen to your inner Teresa Mannion, and don’t make unnecessary journeys. If you must drive, please carry some extra equipment in case you’re unexpectedly delayed. You probably won’t get very far without snow chains, and a shovel will also be very useful. You should also bring a sleeping bag, a torch, some food and water, and ideally a heat source. Please make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave.
‘Don’t forget to check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and keep pets indoors. Keep an eye out for An Garda Síochána, local authority and Met Éireann warnings. Wicklow Weather is also a great source of weather information. If you need mountain rescue, call 999 or 112. WICKLOW residents could be facing power cuts as a result of Storm Emma and the snow.
However, planned outages have been postponed by the ESB. Yesterday (Tuesday) the ESB confirmed that due to the adverse weather forecast a planned outage in Killalish, near Baltinglass, has been postponed. The outage had been due to take place today ( Wednesday), Thursday and Friday.
There are fears that electricity supply could be affected by Storm Emma if the forecast snow storm is accompanied by high winds and repair crews are on standby, according to an ESB spokesman on Monday.
While snow doesn’t usually affect the electricity network it can cause disruption if there are high winds, as predicted, which may result in damage to lines.
The speed of repairs and re-connections could be hampered by difficult road conditions arising from heavy snowfall, While the ESB has 4X4 vehicles available, there may be delays in reaching isolated areas.
The last major weather-related power cut in Wexford was in October 2017 when thousands of households were left without electricity as a result of the damage caused by Storm Ophelia.
‘ The electricity network is built and continually upgraded to withstand events such as these but extreme weather, heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures can affect underground and overhead electricity cables and wires’, said the spokesman.
‘ESB Networks is preparing for the forecast of snow and freezing temperatures issued by Met Eireann for this week and have a full emergency response in place to address any power outages’, he added.
‘Our emergency planning team have already put plans in to place, with additional Network Technicians and Call Centre staff ready to deal with outages as they arise where safe to do so.’
Snow and ice can damage the electricity network by causing electricity wires to hang low or even fall. These wires may still be live and are extremely dangerous. To report an outage or dangerous situation visit the ESB, telephone 1850 372999. To check restoration times, visit www.powercheck.ie,
AGE ACTION, Ireland’s leading advocacy organisation for older people, has urged the Government to consider a double payment in the Fuel Allowance this week to help older people on low incomes stay warm during the cold weather.
With between 1,500 and 2,000 excess winter deaths in Ireland every year cold weather can be dangerous for older people, particularly those who might live alone.
Older people are at greater risk of cardiovascular and respiratory illness from cold and damp houses and tend to live in older, less energy efficient, homes.
Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications with Age Action, said: ‘Many older people have trouble heating their homes at the best of times. They can be very nervous about keeping the heat on because they are afraid of rising energy bills.
‘ The best way to ensure older people aren’t afraid to keep the heat on during this cold weather is to announce a one-off, double-payment, of the Fuel Allowance.
‘ This would give them the assurance they need that keeping warm isn’t going to mean bills they cannot pay.’
‘We’d be encouraging our members to stay indoors, make sure their home is properly heated and to wear additional layers of clothing.
‘If the weather gets worse snow and ice add to the problem as many may not be able to get out to buy food, fuel or to pick up prescriptions. We would urge people to check in on the elderly especially those living alone’, said Mr Moran.
PEOPLE are being urged to look out for older and more vulnerable members of the community this week.
Minister Simon Harris has reminded people of the need to look out for older and more vulnerable members of their community during the cold snap which has been forecast for this week.
The Wicklow TD said: ‘All indications are that we are facing into a period of extreme weather. Older people and those living alone are often most vulnerable to these cold snaps.
‘It’s important to look out for older people not only in isolated rural areas but also in built up urban areas.’
AS THE BEAST from the East arrives, The Asthma Society of Ireland is asking people affected by asthma to be conscious of the seasonal triggers that might worsen their asthma throughout the cold period.
Kevin Kelly, advocacy and communications manager at the Asthma Society of Ireland, said: ‘Fluctuating weather conditions, common colds, viral infections and flu can cause symptoms of asthma and can bring on an asthma attack, so it is important to use a reliever inhaler before going out on cold windy days and to wrap a scarf around your face to reduce the affect of the cold air.’