The West is getting ready for the first named storm of the season.
Storm Austen has been named by the Met Office and will move from West to East through Friday (23 October), with winds lessening later in the day.
In Galway, preparations are already underway with a new guide from the local authority for the severe weather this coming winter season.
Galway County Council has just launched a new Storm Preparation Guide ahead of the winter.
The preparation guide has allowed for 3,600 tonnes of salt to be stored for Galway’s winter roads with stocks being replenished as required through the winter.
Additionally, a network of 70 Community Support Centres will be available across the county to support communities during major emergencies. The County-Wide Community Support Centre was established in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn and provides a structure for local authority to work with local communities in the event of severe weather events.
Each centre has an array of amenities with heated seating spaces to gather, kitchen facilities for basic refreshments, device-charging facilities, and Wi-Fi. Other centres also include showers, car parking, and generators.
Community Support Centre Coordinator, Theresa Donoghue, said: “There were a lot of learnings from Storm Éowyn about how the local authority and communities can work together to better safeguard the safety and the welfare of the public during weather emergencies.”
The guide is designed to help households prepare for issues such as prolonged electricity outages and interruptions to water and other essential services.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Andrew Reddington, said “Taking a few simple steps in advance can make a significant difference when severe weather strikes.”
Galway County Council Director of Services, Michael Owens, advised that “people should monitor weather warnings, charge phones and power banks, have torches and a battery-powered radio available, secure outdoor items and check gutters and drains. We also encourage people to follow emergency advice, avoid unnecessary travel and prioritise their safety”.
Galway County Council is responsible for the winter treatment of around 1,300km of roads across the county.
Galway County Council Chief Executive, Liam Connelly, said “being prepared in advance can make a significant difference when severe weather affects communities and essential services”.
Copies of the Storm Preparation Guide are available in English, Irish, and Ukrainian at all 29 public library branches across Galway, the five Municipal District offices and Áras an Chontae. The guide is also available at www.galway.ie.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann has issued a nationwide Yellow rainfall warning for Thursday night and Friday morning ;with possible updates over the coming days as Storm Austen approaches.