All local schools will be closed tomorrow as the country braces itself for Hurricane Ophelia.
The Department of Education confirmed the closure of schools this evening after Met Éireann updated its red level wind warning to include the entire country.
This will mean all local primary and secondary schools will be closed on Monday, as well as Dundalk IT.
People are advised not to leave home if at all possible. This evening a Garda press release revealed that Dundalk Bay and Harbour may also be particularly impacted by tides (around 9pm).
The statement read: “People living in areas where a Red level weather warning has been issued should not make any non-essential journeys. There should be no cycling in RED zones and avoid where necessary elsewhere.
“Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists should also be aware of the extreme danger posed by gale force winds as they are particularly vulnerable.
“People living in coastal areas are also being warned of the risk posed by flooding from storm surge and the Coast Guard is requesting members of the public to avoid any visits or walks to coastal or cliff areas.
“It is envisaged that there will be significant damage caused by winds, especially in the nature of fallen trees and downed power wires. Please assume that any fallen wires are live and do not approach or touch the wires. Please report any fallen wires to the emergency services.
“Please listen to local media/social media for updates on the progress of the storm and associated warnings and/or advice issued by the emergency services. Please heed this advice.
“The warnings are in place from 09:00, Monday 16 October to 03:00, Tuesday 17 October 2017.”
Louth County Council have so far stayed silent on their preparations in dealing with the storm, earning much criticism on social media.