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‘A matter of life and death’ as Storm Ophelia hits Ireland
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DEFENCE Minister Paul Kehoe has advised people to remain indoors as Storm Ophelia hits Ireland, saying it's "a matter of life and death".
People in Kerry are urged not to travel during the period in which the Status Red weather warning is in place, which is until 3am tomorrow.
This morning Kerry County Council has informed the public that trees in certain areas are causing obstructions. A tree is blocking the Milltown to Ballyhar road, while a tree at Cahir school near Kenmare has now been cleared
A number of events have been cancelled, including the Killarney Looking Good Awards, which will now instead take place next Monday, October 23, in the Killarney Plaza Hotel.
An Garda Siochána are advising householders and business owners to secure wheelie bins, which are not being collected today.
Drivers of high-sided vehicles should not drive on the roads today during the period of red warning.
Motorcyclists and cyclists should also not use the roads. Train services into and out of Kerry are affected also.
Bus Éireann has cancelled all its services until 2pm today. All schools and colleges across the country are closed.
The HSE has cancelled all hospital outpatient appointments which were due to take place today.
Kerry Local Coordination Group has met to discuss Storm Ophelia and the Code Level Red weather warning for Kerry. The meeting included representatives frm Kerry County Council, the HSE, University Hospital Kerry, Kerry Fire and Rescue and Kerry Civil Defence. The meeting took account of the decisions of the National Emergency Coordination Committee.
The most powerful hurricane on record to hit Ireland, Storm Ophelia is expected to cause extensive damage.
Above: Image: Twitter, Met Eireann