More rain on the way as status yellow warning issued for Waterford
There is a risk of further flooding as more heavy rain is expected in Waterford. Pic: Caroline Spencer
On behalf of Met Éireann, Waterford City & County Council has issued a Status Yellow rain warning for County Waterford.
The warning will come into effect from 1pm on Monday, February 2, and will remain in place until 9am on Tuesday, February 3.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended the National Emergency Co-Ordination Group (NECG) on Sunday morning, February 1, and ground crews worked overnight throughout the day to alleviate flooding caused in the aftermath of Storm Chandra.
A local authority spokesperson said crews will continue that work over the coming days in addition to preparing for the risk of further flooding.
Waterford City and County Council advises the public to continue to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys as driving conditions may be hazardous, as surface water remains on many routes.
"Avoid driving through flowing or standing water and if the road ahead is flooded, do not enter, turn around and find another route," said the spokesperson.
"Motorists are also reminded to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists," she added.
Other issues people should be aware of, with regard to public safety, include being mindful that after a week of heavy rainfall, many rivers remain at or above bank-full.
Reduced rainfall today [Sunday] and early tomorrow will provide a temporary respite, allowing rivers to stabilise or gradually recede.
However, it's expected that heavy rainfall will move up from the south on Monday afternoon into Tuesday, with highest amounts in the south and east.
"Additional rainfall could trigger further flooding given current ground and river conditions," said the local authority spokesperson.
"High spring tides next week, combined with strong winds and surge, may cause wave overtopping and coastal flooding," she added.
It's also anticipated that high coastal levels will impede river discharge and increase flood risk in low-lying coastal and estuarine areas, especially at high tide and close monitoring of local weather forecasts (www.met.ie), river and coastal levels is strongly advised.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 102020.
Outside of office hours calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.
An Emergency Response Payment is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding.
Community Welfare Officers are active on the ground in affected areas to support the humanitarian response.
The date for receipt of applications for Stage 1 of the Emergency Response Payment has been extended to Wednesday, February 11.
Any homeowner who needs to access the support can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 607080.
Full details of the scheme and how to apply are available at www.gov.ie/erp Humanitarian Flooding Scheme
An Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme for small businesses and community, voluntary and sports organisations affected by flooding is also open. The scheme is administered by the Irish Red Cross on behalf of the Department and full details and application forms are available at https://www.redcross.ie/stormchandra/.
The Irish Red Cross has set up a helpline to provide support to distressed people affected by flooding. The helpline at 01 6424648 is open 9am to 6pm. Trained volunteers will be available to talk to those who are in distress. The helpline can also signpost and direct callers to information on the financial support schemes available.
