Waterford expects exceptional weather event associated with Storm Ellen
Storm Ellen is expected to affect Waterford later this evening from 8pm and will be most impactful from 11pm through the night to early morning. Storm Ellen is forecast to be an exceptional weather event for this time of year and coupled with spring tides and gusts up to 120 KPH will pose a significant risk to people and property.
The Severe Weather Assessment Team at Waterford City and County Council was convened earlier today, Wednesday 19th August 2020, and will continue to monitor and review the information from advice from NDFEM throughout the event itself.
The advice to the people of Waterford and those visiting our City and County during this busy tourism period is to keep away from shorelines, cliffs, piers and any exposed coastal or tidal areas.
If you are on the coast of Waterford and you are CAMPING, staying in a CARAVAN or CAMPERVAN you are advised to move away from coastal areas and if possible to return home. The Lower Promenade at Tramore will be closed from 4pm today (19.08.2020) and all life-guarding services will be withdrawn at close of business today and will be reviewed tomorrow.
Please remove any outdoor furniture and equipment from outside homes and businesses and construction sites are also being asked to secure and material which could be moved by the strong gusts.
Flood defences have been erected and some coastal flooding is expected due to the current spring tide conditions, storm surges and southerly wind direction. The weather event will be a fast moving and short lived event with potential gusts up to 120 KPH and rainfall of 25 – 50 mls overnight. Flood defences have been erected across Waterford City and outdoor crews will be on call and will respond where safe to do so.
Our phone lines will be manned overnight and we ask members of the public to use the 0761 102020 number in the event of emergencies ONLY. Non emergency matters can be reported to contact@waterfordcouncil.ie
Waterford Council urges you to take particular care early tomorrow morning (Thursday) if travelling as tree and structural damage can be expected along with localised flooding on roads.
#Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry – Advice from Irish Coast Guard
#Avoid Unnecessary Journeys – Advice from Road Safety Authority
ENDS
For Press queries please contact
Claire Hartley, 087 2905194
