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Hurricane Lorenzo is moving "rapidly" away from the Azores as it continues to hurtle towards Ireland.

Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange wind warning for six counties along the west and southwest of the country as the cyclone approaches.

The national forecaster has warned of the storm's surges, which may result in coastal flooding and damage.

Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick will be under the orange alert between 6pm on Thursday and 3am on Friday.

Gusts of up to 130km/h will be recorded, while average wind speeds will be as high as 80km/h.

Meanwhile, a yellow rainfall and warning will be in place for the entire country from Thursday morning.

The spells of heavy showers will see in excess of 50mm of rain fall, which will lead to flooding.

So, ahead of the potential flooding, Water Safety Ireland has compiled a list of things the public can do to prepare for the floods and violent winds.

What should I do when I hear a Flood Warning?

Check on neighbours particularly if they are elderly, infirmed or families with young children

Move your vehicles to higher ground

Move animal stock to higher ground

Check your small craft to ensure they are well secured or moored

Make sure you have warm clothes, food, drink, a torch and radio

Block doorways and airbricks with sandbags or plastic bags filled with earth. Floodgate products will work effectively also

Switch off gas and electricity supplies if flooding is imminent.

Check the time of High Water online or in the Newspaper.

Power cuts are likely - charge your phone & power bank

New batteries in your torch & one in the car too

Check out www.flooding.ie and https://waterlevel.ie for more detail on General flooding and water levels

Personal Safety

Avoid flood waters at all times

Carry a mobile phone at all times in case you need to call for help – call 112 or 999 in emergency

Wear suitable protective clothing & a lifejacket in, on, or around water

Do not enter fast flowing water

Never put your feet down if swept away by fast flowing waters

Flooding on roads will be deeper at dips and around bridges

Stay away from sea and flood defences

When walking or driving, be aware of manhole covers and gratings that may have been moved due to the heavy flow of water

Take care when using electric appliances in damp or flood conditions

Remember that during the hours of darkness the dangers are multiplied.

After the flood

Don’t eat food that has been in contact with flood water

Run water for a few minutes and wash your taps

Check gas and electricity supply

Leave wet electrical equipment alone to dry and have it checked prior to use

Ventilate your property well

Check on elderly neighbours.

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