Galway City Council has announced that Galway Christmas Market, along with several city car parks and woodlands will be closed around the city today (Tuesday ) as the country is hit by Storm Bram.
Galway is one of 11 counties which are subject to Status Orange weather warnings for the second storm of the season, named for Irish horror author and Dracula creator Bram Stoker.
A Status Orange wind warning will be in place for Galway until 7pm today (Tuesday ), with a Status Yellow wind warning in place until 9pm.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management(NDFEM ) has advised that an Orange wind warning carries a potential threat to life, due to the risks posed by flying debris, falling trees, and dangerous travel conditions.
Galway's local authorities have issued advice to motorists, householders, and others during the storm, which they have described as a 'multi-hazard event'.
Closures
In Salthill, Toft Car Park, Salthill Car Park, and Silverstrand Road us closed until further notice.
In Renmore, Ballyloughane Beach is closed until further notice. Meanwhile, a section of the Rosshill Road along the wooded area will be closed to the public tomorrow until further notice.
Crews will be on site monitoring weather conditions and road closures may need to be implemented if required along sections of Salthill/Seapoint Promenade and Grattan Road.
Barna Woods, Terryland Forest Park, Merlin Woods, and Rosshill Woods are also closed today as a result of the storm.
The Christmas Market in Eyre Square and the Ice Rink beside Leisureland are also closed today.
The recycling centre at the Civic Amenity Site in Sandy Road will also remain closed today.
Support for vulnerable persons
The COPE Galway Day Centre, Street Outreach and Cold Weather Response remain operational.
The team can be reached during the day on 091-525 259, out of hours (7pm -11pm ) on 1800 788 887 and night-time only on 086 835 8381 or 086 835 8387.
People are also asked to check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
Sandbags available
The flood barrier has been installed at Spanish Arch, and sandbags will be available for collection at the tourist kiosk in Salthill, Claddagh Hall, Galway Fire Station on Fr Burke Road, and at the Spanish Arch.
The local authority is warning the public to stay informed and plan ahead.
Conditions may change quickly, and people are advised to monitor Met Éireann forecasts during this time. Up-to-date information can be found on www.met.ie and on the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann ) and from news media.
Local authorities will also provide updates on their websites and social media channels regarding road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
People are asked to follow advice from emergency services and local authorites. Those travelling today should allow for disruption - reduce your speed and expect your journey to take longer than usual.
People are also asked to check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
Flood risk and high winds
Strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris.
Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
Coastal areas may also experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations. Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. Keep in mind the Irish Coast Guard advice - “Stay back, stay high, stay dry.”
People are advised to prepare for the storm, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.
ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from 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.
Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie
Safety advice
Drive should anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.
Coastal and island communities are advised to take particular care as winds will be more severe on the islands.
Organisers of events and activities should consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions; the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.
A Status Red marine warning is also in place for the entire Galway coast until 3pm today, and people are warned to stay away from exposed coastal areas for the period of the Orange warning.
People should also stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks – banks can collapse without warning, water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
Coastal areas may also experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations. Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.
Up-to-date information will be available throughout the day on the Galway City Council and Galway County Council websites and social media channels.
The Galway County Council Out of Office Number is 091 509069 for issues after 5pm
