Waterford council crews remain on high alert as severe weather team issue update
Flood defense arrangements have been made and sandbags are still available from council depots. Stock Image.
Council ground crews remain on high alert as flooding remains a concern across Waterford.
The Waterford City and County Council severe weather management team convened this morning and continues to monitor the situation across the country.
Waterford is under an orange weather warning for rain until 9am on Friday.
The National Emergency Co-Ordination Group have said that many rivers remain close to or above bank-full conditions.
However, most rivers have receded from peak levels observed last week.
But heavy rainfall in the southeast and east today into tomorrow is likely to trigger further flooding.
Coastal flooding and wave overtopping are also a concern and the public is asked to avoid coastal areas and follow advice from the Irish Coast Guard.
Flood defence barriers will be activated in the following areas:
- Waterford city - flood defence barriers will remain closed until after high tide passes on Friday morning.
- Passage East - flood defence barriers will close this evening and will remain closed until high tide passes on Friday morning, with ground crews on site to monitor the situation.
Car parks in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, at risk of flooding and will close at 7pm this evening until 10am on Friday.
The following carparks are affected:
- Davitt’s Quay
- The Pond
- The Lookout
- Castle Street Carpark
Sandbags are available at Waterford City and County Council Depots in Dungarvan, Carrickphierish, Tramore, and Leperstown.
Waterford City and County Council advises the public to continue to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys.
Motorists are reminded to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Some road networks have been damaged by the persistent rainfall, so slow down and drive with caution if driving through standing water.
Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20 until 9pm this evening. 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. 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.
- Farmers in affected areas are advised to move vehicles, machinery and livestock to higher ground before flooding arrives, where possible.
- 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.
