Galway County Council is providing sandbags today for people vulnerable to flooding from Storm Dennis this weekend.
Two status yellow weather warnings for heavy wind and rain are in place for Galway and all of Ireland today as Storm Dennis brings terrible conditions.
Spells of heavy, thundery rain are expected throughout the weekend, and in Galway today are forecast to be worst in the early afternoon before tapering off somewhat this evening.
But accumulations of up to 45mm can be expected in parts of the county over the course of the weekend.
Given the cumulative rainfall from Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, the risk of surface water flooding and river flooding is high the county council has warned.
Sandbags are being made available by the council for collection by those whose properties are in vulnerable areas:
These are: Gort/Kinvara, Oranmore/Clarenbridge, Leenane/Roundstone/Oughterard.
Strong southerly winds reaching an average speed of 50-65km/hr are also expected, with gusts of up to 120km/hr forecast, strongest in coastal areas.
A High Tide Advisory has also been issued for this weekend, indicating a very high storm surge which may result in sea levels approaching or exceeding Highest Astronomical Tide from Saturday afternoon until morning.
This will contribute to the flood risk for people living in coastal areas in Galway.
Motorists are being asked to avoid coastal routes if possible, and to be wary of hazardous surface water and debris on the roads.
While conditions are deteriorating already today, the core of Storm Dennis isn’t expected to hit Ireland until Sunday Met Eireann has warned.
Further status yellow weather warnings are likely, with the possibility of more Orange warnings.
A Status Orange wind warning was issued by the forecaster this morning for Wexford and Waterford.
