Coastal communities are tonight preparing for potential flooding as forecasters warned of gales, high tides and heavy rain.
Local authorities in some regions of the country have taken flood precautions. Dublin and Galway city councils have put in place flood-prevention measures in some areas, and insurers have urged householders to take steps to protect their property from flood damage.
Met Éireann says a deep low pressure centre is expected to move down across Ireland this evening, clearing away slowly tomorrow.
Swells of up to 10 metres are due on the south and southwest coasts with up to 30mm of rain across the country, prompting Met Éireann to issue a weather warning.
Forecaster Joan Blackburn said: “The main feature is the tidal conditions at the moment. What’s really causing the problems would be the pressure and the high tides. That will obviously only be in coastal areas.”
Rainfall totals are likely to reach 25mm-30mm in places today and tomorrow. Met Éireann says while this is not excessive, it may lead to some localised flooding on roads.
The strongest winds associated with this weather system are likely to be well to the west. However, if the track of the low pressure is further east than currently expected, then very strong winds may possibly affect the east coast.
The Defence Forces have put troops and equipment on standby nationwide. In a statement, it said personnel, vehicles, aircraft, boats and specialist equipment were prepared to deploy for any flood relief operations.
Gardaí are working with local authorities and appealed to road users to pay attention to the weather conditions tonight and tomorrow morning. Garda traffic plans will be put put in place in the Dublin areas identified by the local authorities as being at high risk.
Dublin City Council has deployed temporary flood defences in potential at-risk areas. Car parks on the seafront at Clontarf and Sandymount will be closed from tomorrow until Monday evening. Local road closures may also be required.
Galway City Council today said the combination of spring tides, high winds and low pressure would see a threat of localised flooding, with the worst weather is forecast to coincide with high tide on Sunday at 17.31pm. As well as locations in the Spanish Arch, Docks and Raven Terrace areas, flooding may occur along the Promenade in Salthill.
Other areas likely to be prone to flooding include coastal areas of Cork and Waterford, Met Éireann said.
An estimated €1 billion worth of damage was caused by flooding in parts of the country in November 2009 and early this year. Businesses and homes in Cork, Galway, Clare and Tipperary were devastated by heavy rains.
