Batten down the hatches!

A National Emergency Coordination Group meeting will be held today in anticipation of the arrival of Storm Lorenzo.

The meeting, which will be chaired by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, follows Met Éireann’s issuing of a status orange weather warning for the south and west of Ireland, including Cork.

Met Éireann’s current forecasts indicate that Storm Lorenzo will move across the country during tonight (Thursday) into tomorrow morning, moving from northwest to southeast across the country.

Local authorities have activated their crisis management teams and local coordination groups in preparation for the arrival of Storm Lorenzo, including Cork city and county councils.

Preventative actions taken to date include clearing drains and gullies and preparation of sandbags.

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has stated that further detailed public safety messaging will be issued throughout Thursday and has advised the public to monitor news and other local sources of information.

Affected areas are likely to experience high seas, very strong winds, tidal flooding and localised heavy showers which may lead to spot flooding in places.

The public also are being urgently reminded to monitor Met Éireann forecasts for their area and to be aware of the weather conditions and to heed safety warnings.

Cork County Council has said that the Dursey Island Cable Car will be closed to the public on Thursday and Friday.

The cable car is scheduled to reopen on Saturday subject to inspection.