Met Éireann has warned of coastal flooding, wave overtopping and localised flooding on the west coast as it issued a status yellow weather warning for Galway and Mayo.
A combination of the remnants of Hurricane Ernesto and very high tides could cause difficult conditions for motorists and pedestrians.
The warning is place from 6.30pm on Wednesday to 2.30am on Thursday. Met Éireann has warned of “unseasonably strong and gusty south to southwest winds with spells of heavy rain and coinciding with very high tides”.
“Impacts are most likely in coastal areas and on higher ground,” the forecaster added. Among the potential impacts are coastal flooding; wave over-topping; localised flooding; damage to temporary structures; and difficult travelling conditions.
There are also status yellow marine gale warnings in place for Erris Head to Rossan Point to Malin Head from 12pm on Wednesday to 12pm on Thursday.
Galway City Council had closed car parks in coastal areas in advance of expected high tides on Wednesday evening.
The council had closed car parks in Galway city that are susceptible to flooding, including Silverstrand and Toft car parks.
Salthill car park will be closed to the public from 1pm on Wednesday until further notice. Ballyloughane Beach Road will be open for local access only
High tides were expected on Wednesday at 7.10pm and on Thursday at 7.35am and 7.43pm.
All coasts will be affected by strong winds, high waves, forecasted surges and high astronomical tides. These tides arebeing caused by the present “supermoon” which is exerting an extra gravitational pull on the Earth.
Waterford City and County Council’s severe weather management team is monitoring the situation, and council ground crews will be on standby to put in place flood mitigation measures if the need arises.
The local authority is advising the public to heed all public safety advice and stay away from exposed piers, harbours and seawalls.
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