Flood alert as high tides and gales forecast

COASTAL areas have been put on flood alert with high tides, gales and heavy rain forecast this weekend.

Warnings were issued in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Clare for tomorrow as the first big weather system of winter sweeps across the country.

The worst of the rain and winds is expected to hit in the 24 hours into Monday afternoon, with Met Éireann warning of gales of 70-100km per hour gusting to possible storm force and likely to cause flooding.

Dublin City Council distributed sandbags in Clontarf and Sandymount and plans to close car parks along the seafront.

“This combination of high tides and low pressure increases the possibility of coastal flooding, particularly at high tide around midnight on Sunday and midday on Monday,” a spokesman said.

Cork City Council said it expected to be hit with a tidal surge, with low-lying parts of the city centre at serious risk.

Galway City Council put up a safety barrier on the quay at the Spanish Arch and warned of localised flooding on Spanish Parade, Quay Street and Flood Street.

Clare County Council said regions along the west coast expected to be hit by tidal surges and severe gales.

“While river levels currently are not a cause for concern, land, home and business owners, along with motorists are being urged to exercise increased vigilance concerning the potential for localised flooding,” a spokesman said.

Weather forecaster Eoin Sherlock said the track of the low depression meant most the country would not experience the very strong winds, but that could change over the weekend.

“There could be some instances of coastal flooding but at the moment the depression is still a bit too far out to say anything more,” he said yesterday.

Mr Sherlock said Dublin, Waterford, Wexford and Cork would be vulnerable to flooding because of very strong west to south-westerly winds.

AA Roadwatch advised motorists to slow down and to be aware that cross- winds may cause dangerous driving conditions.

Meanwhile, Cork City Council has warned that flooding is likely in the city centre at high tide tomorrow and Monday.

The River Lee will reach its peak at 5.43am and 6.04pm tomorrow and 6.26am and 6.45pm on Monday.

Areas likely to be affected include Oliver Plunkett Street, French’s Quay, Morrison’s Quay, Union Quay, Lavitt’s Quay, Kyrl’s Quay, Stable Lane, Cotter Street and Sawmill Street.