Storm Bram leaves 3,300 Waterford customers without power, with Winterval attractions closed and the train station flooded
Drivers have been told to make only essential journeys in Waterford on Tuesday as Storm Bram batters the county, downing trees, causing electricity outages, making roads impassable and causing wave overtopping in coastal towns such as Tramore.
Waterford City and County Council has advised that “lots of wave overtopping” is taking place on the L3003 Gold Coast Road in Dungarvan. Thousands have been left without electricity and ESB crews are attending to outages across the county.
“With a Status Red marine warning in place until 3pm today, please stay away from coastal areas. Stay back, stay high, stay dry,” is the advice from the council.
The Status Orange wind warning for Waterford will be in effect until 4pm, followed by a Status Yellow wind warning for all of Ireland until 9pm this evening.
ESB Power Checks report that around 3,300 customers were affected in Co Waterford due to outages caused by Storm Bram.
Some 21 customers were affected in Foxhole in west Waterford, around 550 in Springs near the coast south of Dungarvan, around 1,667 in areas near Kilmacthomas, 883 in Tramore, 53 in Kilcarragh, and 147 in Deerpark near the Waterford Tipperary border at Carrick-on-Suir.
“We apologise for the loss of supply. We are currently working to repair a fault affecting your premises and will restore power as quickly as possible,” said an ESB spokesperson.
With high tides passed, flood defence barriers, which were activated in Waterford city and Passage East yesterday evening, mitigated against any serious flooding issues.
Car parks in Dungarvan and the Prom in Tramore were also closed yesterday evening so there was no damage to parked cars, as parking overnight was not permitted.
Flooding was reported on Tuesday morning in Dungarvan Sports Centre, Clyde Wharf Car Park, Waterford City Davitt’s Quay Car Park, and Dungarvan.
While the risk of localised and spot flooding has subsided, Storm Bram is expected to bring further strong to gale force winds to the country this afternoon, with impacts including difficult travelling conditions, fallen trees and debris and disruption and cancellations to transport services and events.
The council’s severe weather assessment team convened this morning and is advising that the public continues to exercise caution while the orange and yellow weather warnings remain in place until 9pm this evening.
Gabriel Hynes, acting director of services with the council, said: “We would advise the public to continue to take care when travelling, avoid unnecessary journeys and if you must travel slow down, increase stopping distances, and be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
“There may be trees and branches down, along with flying debris and, because of the time of year, Christmas decorations. These obstacles can make your journey extremely hazardous, so please be aware of unexpected debris on the roads.”
The Clonea Road at Sallybrook is being inundated so the advice is to drive with caution, 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. Storm Bram is making its presence felt in Tramore, with one picture showing the entire promenade awash with seawater.
Some flooding on the Clonea Road at Sallybrook in Co Waterford. Image courtesy of Waterford City and County Council
Closures
Two events have been closed for the Waterford Winterval event taking place during December. The Port of Waterford Eye located on the Quays and carousel in John Robert Square will not be running on Tuesday.
The public is advised to limit travel to essential only in areas where an orange level warning is in place. Essential services operators will continue to operate services subject to advice from Met Éireann on prevailing local conditions.
Waterford Station has closed due to flooding. Bus transfers are being arranged to operate between Kilkenny and Waterford.
“Ongoing flood defence works will resume in the New Year to prevent this issue from recurring,” commented Irish Rail on Tuesday.
The forecasted winds have the capacity to bring severe, destructive and damaging winds. The electricity network is expected to be severely impacted, the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication
Members of the public should take note of the following emergency contact numbers: Waterford City and County Council’s Customer Services Desks 0818 10 20 20, Emergency 999/112, Uisce Éireann 1800 278 278, ESB Networks 1800 372 999, Gas Networks Ireland 1800 205 050.
