Status Orange Weather Warning issued for Waterford
A Status Orange Weather Warning has been issued for Waterford, with very heavy wind and rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, valid from 6am Tuesday 7th December until 6am Wednesday 8 December 2021.
This event will likely cause structural damage and significant surface water flooding throughout the county and, in such an instance, people are advised to undertake essential travel journeys only.
Waterford City and County Council’s Crisis Management Team met this afternoon to assess the situation and to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place in advance of this severe weather event.
The OPW High Tide Advisory Notice issued on Sunday afternoon remains in place for Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th December.
Storm surge around the Waterford Estuary is forecast to be significant and in the range from approximately 50cm to 60cm, and this will co-incide with astronomical spring tides close to Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT). This will result in the HAT being exceeded in many coastal locations especially those associated with Orange and Red wind warnings.
All appropriate flood defence barriers have been erected and the situation is being actively monitored.
Members of the public can continue to contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number or email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie
Please note the following emergency contact numbers below:
- Emergency 999/112
- Irish Water Emergency 1850 278 278
- ESB Networks 1800 372 999
- Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205 050
The Irish Coast Guard, Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities have issued the following public safety advice:
· Stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings
- All road users should be aware of the hazardous travelling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees and debris. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
- As conditions will vary throughout the event, people need to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
- The public are warned electricity wires are always live, never approach. If you see fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999/021 238 2410
- Should red level warnings be issued, the public are advised to shelter in place for the duration of the warning.
Waterford City and County Council will continue to review the situation throughout the duration of Storm Barra.
-ENDS-