Idiots. Absolute idiots.
At the present moment, Storm Ophelia/ex-hurricane Ophelia has claimed the lives of three people in Ireland.
With winds of 156km/h being recorded in the south of the country, local emergency services are being severely tested.
At precarious times like this, all first respondent units – whether that’s the Irish Coast Guard, police, fire brigades etc – are being inundated with requests because 360,000 people are currently without power due to ex-hurricane Ophelia.
Sadly, in County Waterford, one woman has died after a tree fell on a car.
Elsewhere, a man in his early 30s has died as a result of an incident that also involved a fallen tree in County Tipperary. Only recently, a third person has died in Dundalk due to a similar fatal accident
Naturally, various outlets have urged people to use extreme caution due to the weather.
We strongly advise the public to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs & piers, harbours & promenades during storm conditions #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/Gi5yEn5hv5
— Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) October 16, 2017
Gardaà are requesting people to stay away from waterways, cliff walks etc. People are not heeding the warnings given. #Ophelia pic.twitter.com/U2Fm8vzuJ9
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) October 16, 2017
#Ophelia. Waterford City/West pls avoid driving today unless an emergency due dire weather conditions pic.twitter.com/QQZFBzHxos
— An Garda SÃochána (@GardaTraffic) October 16, 2017
Sadly, in some cases, these warnings have fallen on deaf ears.
For example, in Blackrock, County Louth, two wind surfers had to be rescued and brought back to shore. As reported by the Dundalk Democrat,”the problem was reported at 10.20 this morning, with Mayday relayed to all vessels.”
Sadly, this incident isn’t the only act of stupidity at a time when the weather has claimed the lives of people.
Take a look at this man as he goes for a swim in Salthill, Co Galway.
Moron.
The stupidity of some people #Ophelia #salthill pic.twitter.com/QxgP4xwmVd
— Mary (@Mc1988) October 16, 2017
More eejits in Galway #salthill #Ophelia #HurricaneOpheila pic.twitter.com/HnvHyGHWXM
— Mary (@Mc1988) October 16, 2017