Storm Bram: Orange wind warnings expanded as severe coastal winds expected
Rain in Cork City. Cork County Council has urged the public to monitor the websites and social media channels of Met Éireann and Cork County Council on Monday and Tuesday for updates on weather conditions, road closures and community alerts. Picture: Denis Minihane
Met Éireann has issued a status orange wind warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford, with Storm Bram set to bring very strong to gale-force southerly winds to the southeast and south coast on Tuesday.
The warning will be in effect from 7am to 3pm on Tuesday, and forecasters say impacts could include coastal flooding during high tide, wave overtopping, dangerous travel conditions, displaced debris, and disruption to outdoor events.
A further status orange wind warning has been issued for Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, valid from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, as Storm Bram moves northwards.
Very strong coastal gusts are forecast, with similar risks of flooding, overtopping, and hazardous travel.
The upgraded alerts come on top of a status yellow rain warning for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Tipperary, Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow from 9pm Monday to 9am Tuesday, with heavy rain expected on already saturated ground.
Localised flooding, poor visibility and travel disruption are likely.
A status yellow nationwide wind warning will also run from 3am to 9pm Tuesday, with very strong and gusty southerly winds and coastal gales expected.
The combination of strong winds and high spring tides is likely to lead to further coastal flooding and wave overtopping.
Ahead of Storm Bram’s arrival, Cork County Council has warned of both river and coastal flooding, saying many rivers are already “approaching bank full conditions” after prolonged rainfall.
“Soils are waterlogged, thereby increasing the likelihood of rainfall runoff,” a spokesperson said.
High astronomical tides combined with storm surge and onshore winds “will increase coastal flood risk in the days ahead”.
Coastal flooding is considered likely during high tides, especially in low-lying exposed areas, while high tides may also prevent river water from discharging into the sea, causing water to back up and increase upstream flood risk.
Cork County Council also advised that high tides may prevent river water from discharging to the sea, "potentially causing water to back up within river channels and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas".
The council is urging the public to monitor updates from Met Éireann and Cork County Council regarding weather conditions, road closures and community alerts.
Motorists are advised to reduce speed, expect debris and surface water, and never drive through floodwater.
Meanwhile, Waterford City Council has urged the public to exercise caution during Storm Bram, which could bring "destructive gale-force southerly winds and flooding."
Flood defences will be activated in Waterford City and Passage East from 5pm on Monday evening, and the Prom in Tramore will also close.
Motorists are also being advised not to leave their cars parked overnight in the following car parks, which are at risk of flooding.
- Davitt's Quay
- The Pond
- The Lookout
- Castle Street Carpark.
For the coming days, Met Éireann says Monday will start out "dry and bright for many with sunny spells and scattered showers" before cloud increases from the southwest through the day.
Outbreaks of rain will then move in from the south in the evening.
Highest afternoon temperatures on Monday will range from 8C to 12C in mostly moderate, occasionally fresh, southerly winds, backing southeasterly later.
From Monday night into Tuesday, the forecaster says there is "some uncertainty in the track of a deepening area of low pressure, which is expected to move up from the south Atlantic close to Ireland".
Met Éireann says current indications suggest that it will become "very windy with possibly stormy conditions developing in parts of the west and northwest" over this period, bringing heavy rain and spot flooding, particularly in southern counties.
Temperatures on Monday night will range from about 7C to 11C, rising to 13C to 15C on Tuesday.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
