Status Yellow Rain and Wind Warning issued for Waterford
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Rain Warning for Waterford as Storm Chandra is expected to bring heavy and persistent bands of rain from 12am until 11pm on Tuesday, January 27th.
A Status Yellow Wind Warning will also be in place from 5am to 11pm on Tuesday, January 27th.
With grounds already saturated, and intense and persistent rainfall and strong gusts forecast, potential impacts included localised flooding, wave overtopping, fallen trees, loose debris and difficult travelling conditions.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is actively monitoring the situation and ground crews are on stand-by to deal with any issues that may arise, such as localised flooding, blocked drains, gulley overflows, etc.
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 surface water flooding expected.
Motorists are advised to slow down; increase stopping distances and watch for surface water, fallen trees and branches and debris on roads. Avoid driving through flowing or standing water and if the road ahead is flooded, do not enter, turn around and find another route. Motorists are also reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20. 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, especially in eastern counties. 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.
- 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
