Red weather alert warnings as Storm Desmond brews

It’s time to batten down the hatches as Storm Desmond is due to hit Irish shores this weekend.

Met Éireann has issued a number of severe weather warnings for the weekend, including a status red warning for Connacht, Donegal, Clare, and Kerry. Predicted rainfall in excess of 70mm is expected to fall between yesterday evening and the early hours of Sunday morning in these areas.

These levels of rainfall are expected to give rise to local flooding, possibly severe, in some areas and which may block roads and affect transport infrastructure.

A level orange rainfall warning is in operation for Cavan, Clare, Cork, and Limerick between 9pm last night and 3am on Sunday. High winds are expected right across the country with a level orange wind warning in operation for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, and Sligo between 9am yesterday and 6pm today.

The national co-ordination group for severe weather emergencies met on Thursday and again yesterday afternoon to assess the predicted weather forecast and flood threats.

The Department of Environment warned that a combination of high winds and very heavy rainfall may give rise to very dangerous conditions and have advised the public to monitor the weather forecasts and heed public information advice for their specific area.

Non-essential travel in the affected areas should be avoided. Where roads become flooded, conditions may be extremely hazardous and motorists are advised to approach flooded roads with extreme caution, as flood waters may be stronger and deeper than anticipated.

Local authorities are monitoring the situation and response arrangements are in place to deal with flood emergencies and to co-ordinate with An Garda Síochána and the HSE to deal with the anticipated impact of forecast rainfall and high winds.

The national co-ordination group, along with the Office of Public Works and the ESB, will continue to monitor the river levels as some rivers are expected to flood due to the predicted heavy rainfall coming on top of a wet month of November.

A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council warned property owners there was a risk of flooding.

“Spot flooding is considered likely due to the volume of rain that is forecast to fall on already saturated ground. We are advising property owners in flood prone locations and motorists to exercise vigilance during the period,” he said.

Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Met Éireann’s head of general forecasting Gerald Fleming said that this was the first time a status red weather warning had been issued since the coding of weather warnings began. He also said that some parts of the North-West would see a month’s worth of rainfall in just 36 hours.

Road users have been advised to check the local and national weather forecasts and traffic updates before setting out on any journey.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) said that, in extreme weather conditions, it is best to avoid making a journey by road unless absolutely necessary.

Hatches battened? Here comes Storm Desmond https://t.co/kXw5OKKpfP pic.twitter.com/P9we1kwbPp

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) December 4, 2015

Motorists are also asked to exercise extreme caution near pedestrians and cyclists.

Vulnerable road users are asked to consider postponing any trips in areas experiencing severe weather conditions.

“If driving in such conditions is unavoidable be prepared. The golden rule is drive with care and caution — expect the unexpected,” said a spokesperson.

For more weather updates visit Met Éireann’s website www.met.ie.