Met Éireann extends weather warning for Waterford as Storm Darragh looms
Dramatic stormy dark cloudy sky over sea, natural photo background
Met Éireann has extended the Status Orange weather warning due to come into effect this evening for Waterford.
The orange warning comes into effect from 8pm, on Friday, December 6, until 10am on Saturday.
Storm Darragh is expected to 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.
Following a severe weather management team meeting this morning, Waterford City and County Council is advising the public that Storm Darragh will be an impactful event and is expected to bring disruption throughout the night.
Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council Gabriel Hynes has urged the public to exercise caution during the storm.
“Storm Darragh will bring heavy rain and extremely strong and gusty winds, making for difficult travelling conditions," he said.
"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," he added. “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, adding: “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 is monitoring the situation. Council ground crews are on standby to deal with any issues as they 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.
Emergency 999/112 Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278 ESB Networks 1800 372 999 Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050. The public is being asked to stay away from coastal areas because of the potential for tidal flooding.
Fallen trees are of particular concern, and drivers are asked to be mindful of vulnerable road users.
The public is also being asked to report any fallen cables and live wires to ESB Networks.
