Status Orange Rain Warning for Waterford
Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Rain Warning for Waterford, in effect from 3am Thursday (February 5th) to 3am Friday (February 6th).
With grounds already saturated, high river levels and heavy rainfall forecast, potential impacts include river flooding, localised flooding from urban and fast responding smaller watercourses/catchments, channels and flooding from overland flows and difficult travelling conditions.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team convened this afternoon and is monitoring the situation. Ground crews have been deployed throughout the week engaged in clean-up operations and will remain active throughout the period of the weather warning.
Sandbags are available at Waterford City and County Council Depots in Dungarvan (X91 N793), Carrickphierish (X91 N40T), Tramore (X91 RD74) and Leperstown (X91 YH90).
Waterford City and County Council advises the public to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions may be hazardous, with localised flooding anticipated.
Motorists are reminded to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. If driving through standing water, please slow down and drive with caution as some road networks have been damaged due to the persistent heavy rainfall.
Due to strong easterly onshore winds and high coastal water levels, there is also a risk of wave overtopping, and the public is advised to stay away from all coastal areas and adhere to the messaging from the Irish Coast Guard to ‘Stay back, stay high and stay dry’.
With a tidal surge forecast resulting in tide levels higher than the natural tide levels, flood defence barriers will be activated:
- Waterford city – will remain closed until after high tide passes on Friday morning at 8.30am.
- Passage East – this evening (Wednesday) and will remain closed until high tide passes at 8.20am tomorrow (Thursday), with ground crews on site to monitor the situation.
The following car parks in Co. Waterford are at risk of flooding, and as a precautionary measure, will be closed to the public from 7pm this evening (Wednesday, February 4th) until 10am, Thursday (February 5th) and will reclose again on Thursday evening from 7pm. Motorists are advised not to leave their cars parked overnight.
- Davitt’s Quay
- The Pond
- The Lookout
- Castle Street Carpark
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20 from 7.30am to 9pm on Thursday, February 5th, after which outside of office hours calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
Key public safety messages:
- There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.
- High seas – the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”.
- Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks – banks can collapse without warning.
- Avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions – water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
- Avoid contact with floodwater where possible; it may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or sharp debris.
- Farmers in affected areas are advised to move vehicles, machinery and livestock to higher ground before flooding arrives, where possible.
- People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
