Storm Ashley: Flood defence barriers erected in Waterford as weather warning is issued

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team have been briefed by forecasters at Met Éireann ahead of the arrival of Storm Ashley which is expected to bring disruption to Waterford and other parts of the country across the weekend.

A status orange wind warning has been issued for Mayo and Galway for this Sunday afternoon while a national status yellow warning will come into effect in Waterford and across the country from 6am. 

Members of the public are advised that Storm Ashley will bring strong southerly winds and combined with a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides may lead to coastal flooding. These conditions could potentially lead to large coastal waves with waves overtopping, dangerous travelling conditions, fallen trees, disruption to services and damage to power lines.  Combined with already saturated ground conditions, there may be a risk of localised and spot flooding. 

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Waterford City and County Council says it is actively monitoring the situation and flood defence barriers were erected as a precautionary measure in Passage East, on Friday evening. 

With a tidal surge also forecast to occur on Sunday, resulting in tide levels higher than the natural tide levels, a number of precautionary measures will be put in place with flood defence barriers being activated in a number of locations.

* Waterford city, from Saturday evening until 12midday on Monday

* Passage East, from 7am to 9am on Sunday

* The Prom in Tramore will be closed from 6.30pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday. 

The local authority says a number of car parks in County Waterford (see below) are at risk of flooding, and as a precautionary measure, they will be closed to the public from 6.30pm on Saturday until 10am on Sunday and motorists are advised not to leave their cars overnight.

* Davitt’s Quay

* The Pond

* The Lookout

* Castle Street Car Park 

Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council is urging members of the public to exercise caution if out and about this weekend.

“Met Éireann has advised that Storm Ashley will bring strong and gusty southerly winds.  There is also a risk of localised and spot flooding.  The strong winds will also lead to fallen trees and branches, and debris on the roads, making journeys hazardous. With coastal water levels high there may also be a risk of wave overtopping," he said.

Motorists should avoid driving through flowing or standing water as the depth of the water can be deceptive.  Motorists should also be particularly conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.” 

Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team will continue to monitor the situation across the weekend.