Authorities warn of deadly storm surge as Force 11 winds hit coastal areas
Ireland is facing severe weather conditions as Storm Bram brings torrential rain and extremely strong winds, prompting orange alerts in 18 counties and urgent warnings from Met Éireann and local authorities.
Two orange wind warnings are in effect today. The first covers Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford from 7am to 3pm, while the second affects Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 10am to 9pm. The warning has been extended to include Cavan, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath.
A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of the country from 6am to 9pm today. Met Éireann warns that coastal areas will be hardest hit, with south and southwesterly winds occasionally reaching Force 11 strength. Weather observers indicate the storm could reach red level in some locations, with red-level winds likely in Kerry and Clare. A red marine warning is currently in effect for coastal areas including Mizen Head, Slane Head and Malin Head.
Cork and Waterford city councils have specifically advised residents to avoid traveling to their city centers. Cork City Council warned of high tides and flooding risk in low-lying areas this morning, with road closures and traffic restrictions in place between 8am and 9am. The council urged people to avoid the city center until 9:30am.
Areas at flooding risk in Cork include Morrison’s Quay, Father Matthew Quay, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Lavitt’s Quay, Crosses Green, Sharman Crawford Street and Wandesford Quay. Motorists have been advised not to park in these areas before 9:30am.
Waterford City and County Council warned that storm surge could create a “multi-hazard event” and urged people to take precautions and heed public safety advice. The council has urged people to slow down and avoid unnecessary travel during the orange alert period. Those making essential journeys should reduce speed, be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, maintain safe distances from other vehicles, and avoid driving through flowing or standing water.
Various car parks in Dungarvan at risk of flooding have been closed, with advisories not to park vehicles overnight. The council has made sandbags available in Dungarvan and Carrick-on-Suir. Additional accommodation for homeless people has been activated at McAuley House.
Tipperary County Council urged people to stay away from rivers, streams and riverbanks at risk of flooding.
The UK Met Office has issued a yellow alert for Northern Ireland counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry from 9am to 9pm today.
Met Éireann explained that low pressure in the Atlantic Ocean will intensify significantly as it reaches Ireland, creating major impacts. There is potential for severe flooding on south and west coasts this morning and east coast in the afternoon, with possible flooding in rivers near the sea and orange-level winds from Galway Bay northward.
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management held a meeting ahead of Storm Bram’s arrival. Director Keith Leonard emphasized the importance of monitoring weather warnings as they are subject to change. He said local authorities are prepared and advised event operators to closely monitor forecasts. Various events scheduled for the west coast this afternoon and evening should be canceled or postponed.
ESB Networks reminded people to report power outages immediately on 1800 372 999. The utility warned that outdoor Christmas decorations including lights, inflatables, wreaths and garden ornaments are at risk of being blown away and causing hazards. People should securely fasten or remove outdoor decorations and unplug outdoor lights during windy conditions. Decorations should never be attached to electricity poles, wires or ESB equipment. If decorations become caught on power lines, people should contact ESB immediately rather than attempting retrieval.
The Irish Coast Guard reiterated its safety advice: “Stay back, stay high, stay dry.”
Cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles should exercise extreme caution. Strong winds make driving dangerous, with risks from falling trees and branches, debris and flooding. People should not attempt to drive through floodwaters or areas with high water levels that can change direction unexpectedly.
Waterford City flood defenses were activated at 5pm. Tramore Promenade has been closed. Cork County Council warned of dangerous coastal conditions with waves likely breaking in exposed areas. Corkmas and other Cork city center Christmas events were canceled today due to concerns that strong winds could damage installations including the Ferris wheel. People are urged not to park on beaches or near piers where water levels are expected to rise.
Rossbeigh Beach in Kerry has been closed for safety reasons, with residents advised to avoid coastal areas completely during high winds and high tides.
Met Éireann reminded that orange warnings should be taken very seriously, noting last year’s storm damage including deaths from falling trees. The ESB and Met Éireann urged people in affected areas to ensure they have food and water at home and to check on elderly neighbors and those needing assistance if conditions worsen.