The Salthill prom has reopened this morning, having been closed off last night ahead of stormy weather hitting.
The country is battening down the hatches for the onset of Storm Brendan, which hit the west coast of the country early this morning.
Met Eireann has extended a Status Orange weather warning for the whole country in anticipation, with the national broadcaster predicting a band of “very severe and damaging winds” to move across the country, reaching 130 km/h and higher in exposed areas.
The band is linked to the back edge of a cold front and as it passes the heavy rain will clear to squally showers. Further very severe winds expected on Connacht and Donegal coasts through the rest of the day. pic.twitter.com/SxYU1q7BF3
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) January 13, 2020
The Salthill prom reopened this morning – managing to avoid flash flooding thus far, the county remains on high alert. No strangers to flash flooding, flood defences are in place in the most vulnerable areas including Spanish Arch.
Sandbags are available for collection from Gort/Kinvara, Oranmore/Clarenbridge, Leenane/Cloch na Rón (Roundstone)/Oucgherard.
There will be no Bus Eireann services to Salthill today and motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution. Several schools have also closed in light of the treacherous conditions.
Galway Prom has now closed and diversions are now in place for routes 401 and 424. Salthill village is not being served. @TFIupdates @Galwaybayfmnews #StormBrendan
— Bus Éireann (@Buseireann) January 13, 2020
Galway County Council issued a statement on Storm Brendan last night, informing the public that the Status Orange Wind Warning is in effect until 9pm on Monday 13th.
There is also a High tide advisory in place with predictions for “a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides approaching”. Tides will be highest from Sunday 12th to Tuesday 12th, with the possibility for coastal areas to experience flooding due to the projected storm surge.
The statement concludes with a safety message:
“Members of the public are advised to take precautions to stay safe and are reminded to make contact with elderly or vulnerable neighbours.”
UPDATED statement from @GalwayCoCo #StormBrendan. Status Orange Wind Warning now in effect from 5.00 until 21.00 on Monday 13/1/2020. Ráiteas nuashonraithe. Rabhadh Aimsire (Gaoithe) Stádas oráiste le bheith i bhfeidhm ón 5.00 go 21.00 Dé Luain 13/1/2020. Tabhair aire #Gaillimh pic.twitter.com/v1ngUZAFDM
— Galway County Council (@GalwayCoCo) January 12, 2020
The council can be contacted out-of-hours at 091-509069.
