It’s going to be rough out west.
Storm Brendan is almost here.
Met Éireann has some notable weather warnings in place with conditions set to become very difficult indeed from the early hours of Monday onwards.
For a full recap on those warnings, click right here.
In preparation for Storm Brendan, the Irish Coast Guard has warned the public not to approach breaking waves and to avoid exposed beaches, cliffs, piers and harbours during storm conditions.
In the capital, meanwhile, Dublin City Council will be taking the precaution of erecting flood defences and closing specific car parks on Monday morning.
On the other side of the country, similar actions are in place.
On Sunday evening, Galway County Council issued a statement warning of “astronomical” spring tides as Storm Brendan draws near.
The council is making sand bags available for collection for anyone whose properties are located in vulnerable areas.
Areas identified as particularly at-risk include Gort, Kinvara, Oranmore, Clarenbridge, Leenane, Roundstone and Oughterard.
Anyone who needs to contact the council out-of-hours can call 091-509069.
“The Office of Public Works (OPW) have a high tide advisory in place and advise that there will be a period of very high astronomical spring tides approaching highest astronomical tide in all coastal areas which commenced on Saturday 11 January and is valid until Wednesday 15 January,” notes a Galway County Council statement.
“Astronomical tides during this notice period will be highest from Sunday 12 January to Tuesday 14 January. All coastal areas could experience coastal flooding during this period, especially during Monday due to the high tides and projected storm surge.”
The council says that its key message is for people to stay safe during Storm Brendan.
“Driving conditions may be hazardous and drivers need to take care and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.
“Motorists are asked to avoid coastal routes [and] to make alternative route plans where possible and to avoid making unnecessary journeys.”
The council has also asked people to be mindful of elderly or vulnerable neighbours and to make contact with them where possible.
In January of 2018, Storm Eleanor caused serious flooding in Galway city centre as water rose up through the Spanish Arch and submerged much of Shop Street.
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