Waterford City and County Council crews are responding to incidences of fallen trees, overhanging branches and debris on roads caused by Storm Éowyn. The crews are prioritising reopening roads that are impassable or partially blocked.
Information on reported issues can be found on https://waterfordcouncil.ie/storm-eowyn-update-friday-24th-jan/
Please exercise caution when travelling.
It’s been a busy day for Waterford City and County Council ground crews in the aftermath of #StormÉowyn, attending to over forty storm-related incidents.
Even though the Met Éireann weather warnings have passed, please exercise caution when travelling, slow down and take extra care on your journey.
Tonight (Friday 24th January) is predicted to be a cold night with possiblity of frost etc. See our Gritting Routes here.
Reported Hazards
Members of the public can report any issues to Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
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
UPDATED
Due to Storm Éowyn Status Red Weather Warning, all Waterford City and County Council buildings and facilities will be closed on Friday, January 24th.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 on Friday from 08:00am to 5:00pm on Friday, January 24th after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number. Alternatively, members of the public can email contact@waterfordcouncil.ie.
The public is advised to heed all public safety advice, to not travel and shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red weather warning which will be in effect in Waterford from 02:00am to 10:00am Friday, January 24th and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour.
Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements. All residents will be accommodated to shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red Warning.
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
Key public safety messages:
Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to stay away from waterways during Storm Éowyn, as high winds and severe weather conditions pose a significant danger, particularly when people’s curiosity to witness dramatic waves tempts them to take risks. Please remember: staying away from waterways is the safest option for you and your loved ones during this storm.
Most accidental drownings in Ireland (over 60%) happen when a person falls into water unexpectedly. High winds can push you into water and the resulting cold shock can cause an immediate loss of control over breathing, which can be fatal.
While many people live close to the coastline, the warning applies equally inland, where 12,000 loughs and a network of rivers and canals will be hazardous. However, no one needs to be at risk if they follow one simple rule: to stay S.A.F.E. is to Stay Away From Edges.
Key Dangers to Be Aware Of During Storm Éowyn:
1. Coastlines: High winds increase the risk of wave overtopping, which can easily sweep people off their feet and into the water.
2. Rivers: Stronger currents will run faster than usual, posing a serious threat to anyone falling in accidentally.
3. Lakes: Floodwaters can conceal the edges of lakes, creating hidden hazards.
Important Safety Advice:
· Avoid Open Water Swimming: Even if you are a seasoned open-water swimmer, do not swim during this storm. The conditions are extremely dangerous.
· Beware of Coastal Flooding: Floodwaters can expose manhole covers and drains, creating additional hazards.
By following the S.A.F.E. rule and staying away from edges, you can ensure your safety and that of your family. Remember, no view or experience is worth risking your life. Stay Safe – Stay Home.
Contact:
Joanne Walsh: 087-199.0339 / joannewalsh@watersafety.ie
Roger Sweeney: 087-678.9601 / rogersweeney@watersafety.ie Paul McGowan: 087-166.7103/ paulmcgowan@watersafety.ie
www.watersafety.ie
Met Éireann has issued a Status Red Weather Warning for all of Ireland with warning of possible “danger to life”, with the public advised to shelter in place.
The Status Red Wind warning for Waterford will be in effect from 02:00am to 10:00am Friday, January 24th and will bring gale force winds with dangerous, damaging and destructive gusts in excess of 130km per hour.
A Status Orange Wind warning will be in place from midnight (00:00) to 16:00pm on Friday, January 24th and a Status Yellow Rain warning will be in place from 21:00pm Thursday, January 23rd to 05:00am on Friday, January 24th.
The impacts of Storm Éowyn include:
Danger to life
Extremely dangerous travelling conditions
Unsafe working conditions
Disruption and cancellations to transport
Many fallen trees
Significant and widespread power outages
Impacts to communications networks
Cancellation of event
Structural damage
Wave overtopping
Coastal flooding in low-lying and exposed areas
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather assessment team convened again this morning and is advising the public that Storm Éowyn will be a dangerous, destructive, nationwide multi-hazard event.
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise extreme caution during the duration of this weather warning.
“Storm Éowyn is an extremely dangerous, damaging and destructive storm and will track across the whole of the country, bringing gale force winds and gusts from the early hours of Friday morning through to Friday evening.
“We would urge the public to heed all public safety advice, to not travel and shelter in place during the duration of the Status Red weather warning. The strong winds will lead to fallen trees, branches, and structural debris on the roads, making journeys extremely dangerous.
“With coastal water levels high 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. There is also potential for localised and spot flooding.”
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather assessment team will continue to monitor the situation and Council ground crews are on stand-by to put in place mitigation measures. However, Council outdoor personnel will not operate during the duration of the Status Red warning and once the warning has passed will be on site throughout the city and county as soon as it is safe to do so.
Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks on 0818 10 20 20 from 09:00am to 22:00pm on Friday, January 24th after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
On Saturday, January 25th, Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks will phone lines will be in operation from 09:00am to 13:00pm.
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
Key public safety messages:
Waterford City and County Council reminds farmers of restrictions on slurry and fertiliser spreading within 48 hours of heavy rain.
Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory regarding Storm Éowyn which is forecast to track across Ireland on Thursday night and Friday. This storm is expected to give rise to spells of heavy wind and rain.
Under the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2022, organic and chemical fertilisers or soiled water shall not be applied to land when it is waterlogged or when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours.
A Status Orange Low Temperature – Ice warning will be in place for Waterford and Munster from 8pm this evening until 10am tomorrow, Wednesday (January 8th) and again from 6pm on Wednesday until 11am Thursday (January 9th).
There is also an ongoing Status Yellow Low Temperature – Ice warning in place for whole country until 6am Friday (January 10th).
Waterford City and County Council is continuing to treat the Priority One, Two and Three roads network during this cold spell. All Waterford City and County Council gritting routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/
With temperatures expected to remain below freezing in many parts of the country, travelling conditions will remain challenging, even where roads are gritted, and motorists are advised to exercise caution, slow down, allow extra time for journeys, allow an extra safe distance between you and the vehicle in front, and be mindful of vulnerable road users.
Travelling conditions, particularly on untreated roads will be hazardous, with potential for black ice. Most roads throughout Waterford city and county are open and passable, however the R668 (Vee Road) and R669 (Clogheen Road) from Lismore and Cappoquin remain closed and motorists are asked to avoid.
Pedestrians are also advised to take care as footpaths will be dangerous with be slippery due to ice and frost.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number
Key public safety messages:
A Status Yellow Snow – Ice warning for Waterford and the rest of Ireland will be in place from today until 12:00 tomorrow (Tuesday, January 7th), with a Low Temperature – Ice warning extended to 00:00 Friday, January 10th.
With very cold nights with widespread frost, ice and freezing fog and possibility of black ice, potential impacts include hazardous travelling conditions and travel disruption.
Waterford City and County Council Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) joined a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) meeting this morning and local conditions are being monitored continually.
Throughout the weekend, Waterford City and County Council continually treated over 750 kilometres of Priority One, Two and Three roads network with over 800 tonnes of salt, and will continue to treat these roads over the coming days. Ten snow ploughs are also deployed on a continuous basis to prevent snow accumulation.
Waterford roads network Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “Waterford City and County Council ground crews are continually attending to the road networks to ensure they remain safe and passable. However, we would still urge all motorists to exercise caution on their journeys.
“Nightime temperatures are set to drop considerably and travelling conditions will be challenging, even on gritted roads, so please slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey.”
Pedestrians are also advised to take care as footpaths will be dangerous with be slippery due to ice and frost, and cyclists are advised to also exercise caution during this cold weather spell. While key arterial routes are being treated, there are cycle routes that may not be gritted.
Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available for rough sleepers at McGwire House. Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
Key public safety messages:
A Met Éireann Status Orange Rain/Snow Warning has been issued for Waterford and is in place from 17:00 Saturday 04/01/2025 to 17:00 Sunday 05/01/2025.
Heavy rain transitioning to sleet and snow with significant accumulations are expected.
The very cold spell across the country will lead to very disruptive weather, with an area of low pressure sending up some heavy rain, sleet and snow. This cold spell is expected to extend into next week with lying snow, some wintry showers and widespread severe frost and ice and some freezing fog also.
Waterford City and County Council joined a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) meeting this morning and the Local Authority’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) is monitoring conditions locally.
Waterford City and County Council advises that the Priority One and Two Road networks have been gritted this morning and Waterford City and County Council ground crews are attending to gritting Priority Three roads as resources allow. All Waterford City and County Council Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “While the weather status may have changed from yellow to orange, the key public safety messages remain the same.
“We would advise all motorists to exercise caution when travelling, allow extra time for your journey and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Travelling conditions throughout the evening and night will be difficult, even on gritted roads, so please slow down and be aware of other road users.
“Footpaths will also be hazardous in the icy conditions, so we are asking pedestrians to take extra care.”
With heavy rainfall expected there may be some risk of localised and spot flooding and Waterford City and County Council is asking motorists to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is also in operation, with extra bed capacity available at McGwire House. The Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services has been in contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of the shelter arrangements. Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks and the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
Key public safety messages:
-ends-
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Snow–Ice Warning for Waterford. The warning is in place from 5pm Saturday, January 4th to 5pm Sunday, January 5th, with falls of rain, sleet and snow expected.
The very cold spell across the country will lead to very disruptive weather over the weekend, with an area of low pressure sending up some heavy rain, sleet and snow. This cold spell is expected to extend into at least the middle of next week with lying snow, some wintry showers and widespread severe frost and ice and some freezing fog also.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a Virtual National Emergency Coordination Group meeting this morning and is advising that Waterford City and County Council ground crews are treating all Priority One and Two roads.
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “Waterford City and County Council ground crews are attending to the Priority One and Two road network, and gritting will continue on these Priority One and Two roads for the duration of the cold weather advisory warning. The crews will attend to salting Priority Three roads as and when resources allow.
“Waterford City and County Council currently has ample salt stocks to treat these roads for the duration of the cold spell. With 1,500 tonnes of salt in reserve at our yards in Waterford city and Dungarvan, salt is also being restocked as required from the National Depots in Cahir and Bellview.”
Hynes urged motorists to exercise caution on their journeys, “We would urge all motorists to reduce speed and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Driving conditions will be hazardous, even where roads are gritted, so please slow down, drive with caution, be aware of other road users and allow extra time for your journey. Pedestrians should also take care as footpaths will be slippery due to ice.”
All Waterford City and County Council Gritting Routes can be found on the homepage of Waterford City and County Council website at https://waterfordcouncil.ie/
Waterford City and County Council’s Integrated Homeless Services Severe Weather Protocol is currently in operation until March 31st. Throughout this period, the Outreach Team from Waterford Integrated Homeless Services is in regular contact with any known rough sleepers to advise them of impending weather alerts/freezing temperatures and remind them of the shelter arrangements which they can avail of.
Extra capacity is available at McGwire House, Bath Street, Waterford, where homeless men and women can present to avail of shelter (051 879930). Women and children fleeing domestic violence should present to Oasis House, 71 Morrisson’s Road, Waterford (051 370367).
With the Met Éireann Status Yellow Snow / Ice Warning issued for the weekend, Waterford City and County Council is appealing to the public to contact the Homeless Services Team by emailing homelessservicesteam@waterfordcouncil.ie if they see person(s) sleeping rough in Waterford.
Members of the public can also contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks and the Homeless Services Team at Waterford Integrated Homeless Services by calling 0818 10 20 20 during normal office hours, after which calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
Key public safety messages:
Met Éireann has extended a Status Orange wind warning for Waterford which comes into effect at 8pm this evening (Friday, December 6th) until 10am tomorrow (Saturday, December 7th).
Waterford will also be under a Status Yellow wind warning from 3pm today until 3pm tomorrow.
Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and strong and gusty northwest winds, potentially leading to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, damage to temporary structures, fallen trees, localised flooding, disruption to services and damage to power lines.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a virtual Met Éireann Technical Briefing this morning and is advising the public that Storm Darragh will be an impactful event and is expected to bring disruption throughout the night.
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution during the duration of these weather warnings.
“Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and extremely strong and gusty winds, making for difficult travelling conditions. We would advise the public to exercise caution and only travel if necessary. Motorists should slow down, allow extra time for journeys and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, branches and debris.
“With reduced visibility we would urge all motorists to be mindful of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians and be aware that high sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.”
Mr. Hynes also advised that outdoor items such as garden furniture, trampolines, waste bins and Christmas decorations should be secured or stored safely.
“There may also be a risk of wave overtopping so we would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas for the duration of these Met Éireann warnings,” Mr. Hynes added.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary arrangements are put in place, with Council ground crews on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise.
Members of the public can 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.
Please note the following emergency contact numbers:
Emergency 999/112
Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278
ESB Networks 1800 372 999
Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050
Key Public safety messages for Storm Darragh:
-ends-
Met Éireann has advised that Storm Darragh will bring very strong and gusty northwest winds to the country.
Waterford will be under a Status Yellow wind warning from 3pm, Friday, December 6th until 3pm on Saturday, December 7th, with a Status Orange wind warning coming into effect from 12pm (midnight) Saturday, December 7th to 9am Saturday, December 7th.
These conditions could potentially lead to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees, disruption to services and damage to power lines.
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution during the duration of these weather warnings.
“Strong and gusty winds will make for difficult travelling conditions. Motorists should slow down and be aware of the dangers of fallen trees, branches and debris. We would ask the public to take care on the roads, allow extra time for journeys, and be mindful of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
“There may also be a risk of wave overtopping so we would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas for the duration of these Met Éireann warnings.”
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team will continue to monitor the situation.
Members of the public can 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.
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
