The Status Orange Rain Warning and Status Yellow Rain and Wind Warnings, associated with Storm Austen have passed, with several incidents of fallen trees and flooding reported across Waterford city and county.

Council ground crews tended to over thirty incidents of fallen trees blocking roads and footpaths, while Waterford Fire Service attended four sites with fallen trees.  There was flooding reported on the N25 in Dungarvan, Coxtown in Dunmore East, and Hennessey’s Road in the city.

Gabriel Hynes, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said, “The worst of Storm Austen has passed, and thankfully the impact was not as serious as it could have been.

“Our outdoor crews and Fire Service were on the ground since before light attending to fallen trees, blocked roads and paths and dealing with flooding issues.

“While the weather warnings have expired, there remains a lot of fallen leaves, branches, debris and spot flooding on the road network, so we would advise motorists to remain vigilant when travelling, drive with caution, increase stopping distances and be mindful of vulnerable road users such pedestrians and cyclists.”

Weather is expected to remain unsettled over the Bank Holiday weekend, and some events may also be impacted by the weather warning. Event organisers have been advised to assess risks ahead of proceeding with outdoor events.

While river levels currently have some capacity and tides are relatively low, members of the public should stay away from coastal areas as conditions can change quickly during severe weather, heeding the advice of the Irish Coast Guard to ‘Stay Back, Stay High and Stay Dry’.

Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20. Outside of office hours calls will be transferred to the Council’s emergency services number.