National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management statement on current rain warnings and flooding risk
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened a meeting of all Local Authorities, relevant Government departments, state agencies and utility providers again this morning to plan and prepare for the rain and flooding forecasts that have been issued by Met Éireann.
Met Éireann has updated its weather warnings for many Counties with the commencement times of the warnings brought forward.
With persistent rain across Ireland in recent days, the ground conditions in many areas are saturated, and many rivers are already at capacity. The predicted rainfall that is forecast for the next 24 hours brings a high risk of flooding in many counties, particularly in south and east Leinster and across all of Munster.
Flooding is a risk for all areas due to the current conditions, and even counties with a yellow rain warning or no rain warning will remain at risk of flooding.
Local Authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will be active and responding to the affected areas; however, the need may arise to close some roads due to flooding, and all motorists should follow any traffic instructions put in place. Driving during heavy rain is a significant risk, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times.
The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.
Met Éireann weather warnings currently in place:
Status Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow
Valid: 12:00 Friday to 08:00 Saturday.
Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford
Valid: 09:00 Friday to 09:00 Saturday
Status Yellow wind warning for Dublin, Louth, Meath, Wexford, Wicklow
Valid: 12:00 Friday to 04:00 Saturday
Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, said:
“It’s important that people are aware of the potential conditions in their area. River and surface water flooding is expected in Leinster and Munster today and into the weekend, in part due to the recent rainfall earlier this week, which has led to saturated grounds and swollen rivers, combined with the heavy rainfall we are expecting.
“We are asking people to stay away from coastal areas during this period, avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions, and to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, where banks can collapse without warning. Flooding impacts can be very localised and specific, so be sure to heed any advice issued by the emergency services and your local authority.
“Drivers also need to be wary of potentially hazardous conditions in their area, so please slow down, increase your stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads. If the road ahead is flooded, do not enter – turn around and find another route.”
Further public safety advice
- Do not try to walk through floodwater: Just a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet; deeper water can move a car
- Follow advice from emergency services and your local authority.
- Intense rainfall, even over a short period, may overwhelm urban drainage systems
- Avoid contact with floodwater where possible; it may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or sharp debris.
- Farmers in affected areas are advised to move vehicles, machinery and livestock to higher ground before flooding arrives, where possible.
- People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
- Monitor Met Éireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up-to-date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources.
- ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
Ends