Met Eireann has requested that people ensure all their Christmas outdoor decorations are fully fastened, tied down and secured properly ahead of what’s believed to a torrential storm arriving tomrrow.
People are asked to put anything loose, or likely to take flight, away until the storm passes.
Two Status Orange wind alerts have been issued across 11 counties as Storm Bram is forecast to deliver strong to gale-force winds, with the most severe gusts expected in coastal regions tomorrow.
The first warning will run from 7am to 3pm and will apply to Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford, reports RTE.
A second warning will activate at 10am for Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo and is set to remain in place until 6pm.
Met Éireann has cautioned about the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal locations, especially during high tide, as well as challenging travel conditions, reports RTE.
It coincides with a rain alert for seven counties that will also be active.
A Status Yellow rain warning for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford begins at 9pm tonight and will stay in effect until 9am tomorrow morning, reports RTE.
The forecaster said heavy rainfall will fall on “already saturated ground” and warned about local flooding and difficult travel, noting that outdoor activities may also be disrupted.
Tomorrow, the remainder of the country will be under a Status Yellow wind alert, with Met Éireann predicting very strong to gale-force southerly winds, reports RTE.
This warning will take effect at 3am and stay in place until 9pm tomorrow.
Met Éireann also noted that debris and unsecured items could be blown around, and outdoor events may face disruption, reports RTE.
A Yellow wind alert has also been announced for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry, with the UK Met Office warning of possible disruption from Storm Bram.
That warning will apply from 9am until 9pm tomorrow.
Met Éireann said a rapidly deepening Atlantic low-pressure system will approach Ireland tonight, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds with the potential to be significantly disruptive, reports RTE.
Senior Forecaster Gerry Murphy said a “significant impact” to consider is that the peak storm surge will coincide with high tides in certain areas.
“So for the south coast, between 8am and 9am tomorrow morning with high tide, there is a strong surge, so there is a risk of coastal flooding along the south coast. This will also increase the risk of river flooding as the rivers can’t get out to sea as quickly,” he explained, reports RTE.
“There’s also a risk of coastal flooding along the west coast at high tide tomorrow morning between 8 and 9, and there’s a risk of coastal flooding along the east coast during high tide tomorrow afternoon, all due to the storm surge.
“While the wind is significant, especially in coastal areas, and people need to take account of the exact times of those warnings, there are also the possibilities of flooding from the rainfall on already saturated ground, and coastal flooding due to the high tide.”
Mr Murphy said conditions in coastal parts of the south and west, and for a period in the east, could be “quite difficult”, reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, he said tomorrow’s morning commute will be “a very raw morning”.
“Driving conditions won’t be great because there will be poor visibility, blustery winds, and there’ll be surface flooding in many places so it’s not going to be a very nice morning.”
Mr Murphy described Bram as a “very uncertain storm” that may weaken — but also has the potential to require stronger warnings, reports RTE.
He said the system could intensify more rapidly as it moves north, which may lead to upgraded alerts.
“But as it stands, a windy day everywhere. Very wet overnight and in the morning, and then along the south coast and west coast in the morning at high tide, a risk of coastal flooding. Along the east coast tomorrow afternoon, a risk of coastal flooding at high tide,” he said.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management held a meeting with various agencies this morning in preparation for Storm Bram, reports RTE.
Waterford City and County Council said the storm will present “multi-hazard” risks and urged the public to act with caution during the Orange warning.
Gabriel Hynes, Acting Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, encouraged people to follow all safety guidance and avoid travel where possible, reports RTE.
“If you must travel, motorists are advised to slow down, be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on the roads. Motorists should also avoid driving through flowing or standing water as the depth of the water can be deceptive,” he said.
Several car parks in Dungarvan that are exposed to flooding risk will close to the public from 5pm this evening, and drivers are advised not to leave vehicles overnight at Davitt’s Quay, The Pond, The Lookout and Castle Street Carpark, reports RTE.
Sandbags will be available at the council’s Machinery Yard in Dungarvan and at the depot in Carrickphierish in Waterford city.
The council’s Integrated Homeless Services has also activated its Severe Weather Protocol, ensuring additional beds are available at McGwire House, reports RTE.
Tipperary County Council also issued advice urging the public to avoid swollen rivers, streams and flooded banks ahead of Storm Bram.
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