Met Éireann has issued a Weather Advisory warning for all of Ireland with a Status Yellow Wind Warning coming into effect from 10am on Sunday which will remain in place until midnight.
The public is 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.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team attended a virtual Met Éireann Technical Briefing this afternoon and is advising the public that Storm Ashley is expected to bring disruption that will have an impact throughout the weekend.
Waterford City and County Council is actively monitoring the situation and will erect appropriate flood defence barriers as a precautionary measure in Passage East during high tide times this evening (7.00pm to 8.30pm, Friday October 18th).
With a tidal surge also forecast to occur on the morning of Sunday, October 20th, resulting in tide levels higher than the natural tide levels, the following precautionary measures will be put in place with flood defence barriers activated in:
- Waterford city from Saturday evening until 12.00pm midday on Monday
- Passage East on Sunday morning from 7.00am to 9.00am
- The Prom in Tramore will close at 6.30pm on Saturday evening until 10.00am on Sunday morning.
The following car parks in Co. Waterford are at risk of flooding, and as a precautionary measure, will be closed to the public from 6.30pm on Saturday evening until 10.00am on Sunday morning and motorists are advised not to leave their cars overnight (Saturday)
- Davitt’s Quay
- The Pond
- The Lookout
- Castle Street Carpark
Gabriel Hynes, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution, saying, “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.
"Motorists should avoid driving through flowing or standing water as the depth of the water can be deceptive. Motorist should also be particularly conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”
More on air across the weekend
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
