Flooding predicted in Louth as Storm Bram arrives

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Wind Warning for Louth as Storm Bram brings strong winds, high tides, and a heightened risk of coastal and river flooding across the county.

The Orange Wind Warning for Louth will be in place until 7pm today (Tuesday).

Louth County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met this morning and say the council’s Severe Weather Plan is being followed.

Storm Bram is a multi-hazard event that is projected to bring very strong and gusty southerly winds with gales possible near coasts.

The public is urged to be aware of strong winds and an elevated flood risk.

There is an increased risk in coastal areas due to coincidence with very high spring tides.

Possible Impacts Include

• Flooding of low-lying coastal areas, especially during high tide
• Wave overtopping
• Difficult travel conditions
• Debris, loose objects displaced
• Outdoor events impacted
• Power outages

Met Éireann has also issued a High Tide Advisory for all coasts, valid from midnight last night.

Storm surge levels combined with high tides and wave action are predicted to significantly increase coastal water levels, beginning on the south coast early Tuesday morning and moving north into Tuesday afternoon.

Surge levels in Louth are as follows:

• 0.77m at Dundalk Bay
• 0.65m at Drogheda

Wellington Quay, Drogheda, will likely flood during the period of high tides. Please use an alternative route during these hours.

After a week of persistent rain, many rivers are approaching bank-full conditions and soils are waterlogged, increasing runoff. Any additional rainfall is likely to result in river flooding.

A period of high astronomical tides will coincide with high storm surge and onshore winds, increasing coastal flood risk. Coastal flooding is likely, particularly during high tide times and in exposed low-lying areas.

High tides will prevent river water from discharging to the sea, causing water to back up within the channel and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding in low-lying areas.

Stay informed and Plan Ahead

• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts over the next 24 hrs – conditions may change quickly. Visit www.met.ie/ for the most up-to-date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann App, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.
• Check the Louth County Council website, www.louthcoco.ie and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
• Allow for disruption during Tuesday morning commute.
• Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility on Tuesday morning.
• Check in with neighbours, older people, or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.

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Be Aware of Strong Winds and Elevated Flood Risk

• Orange wind warnings indicate wind speeds with the capacity to produce dangerous, stormy conditions, which may constitute a risk to life and property
• Potential impacts include the possibility of structural damage, fallen trees and flying debris
• Drive to anticipate strong cross winds and other hazards such as falling/fallen trees. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Organisers of events and activities should consider the wind warnings that are in place and monitor the local conditions; the cancellation of events may be necessary in some locations.
• Stay away from exposed coastal areas for the period of the ORANGE warning and RED Marine Warning
• Follow advice from emergency services and your local authority.
• Uisce Éireann customers can check the website and social media channels for updates and to get in touch with any issues or concerns via their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278. The public can also sign up online to their free text alert system to get regular updates about their local supplies - see www.water.ie.
• Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks – banks can collapse without warning, water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.
• Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
• Coastal areas may also experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations. Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: “Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.”
• People are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication. 
• Check Local Authorities websites and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
• Check in with neighbours, older people, or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
• ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to in immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regard to power restoration times.