Dublin City Council has ordered floodgates at the Dodder and Tolka Rivers closed ahead of tidal surges and strong winds.
Met Eireann issued a national weather warning bringing the national status to orange, meaning wind gusts of between 110 – 130 km an hour are predicted with heavy rain, high tides and local flooding especially in coastal areas like Sandymount Strand and coastal parts of Ringsend.
“Flood defenses (sand bags) are installed at strategic locations in Clontarf (near Alfie Byrne Road) and Sandymount for the same duration. Public car parks in Sandymount and Clontarf will be closed during this period and the Council apologises for any inconvenience this, or any other precautionary works, may cause,” said the Council’s major alert blog, which deals with times of emergency.
The storm has affected other cities, with Cork being particularly battered and the River Shannon bursting its banks.
According to the Council, households near coastal areas should take the necessary precautions to ensure their properties are protected.
Information can be found at Flooding.ie, which details how to protect your home such as: 1) Move valuable items to safety, preferably away from the living quarters. 2) Roll up carpets and rugs. 3) Raise furniture that cannot be moved and, 4) put sandbags near the entrance and exits.
For more information you can contact Dublin City Council.
By Liam Cahill
