Galway County Council making sandbags available ahead of Storm Jorge

Galway County Council has made sandbags available Storm Jorge for collection by people whose properties are under threat. Meanwhile, around 30 roads in the county are currently closed due to flooding.

Some severe winds are expected during Saturday associated with Storm Jorge (pronounced hor-hay). Southwest quickly veering west and later northwest will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of 110 to 130km/h, possibly higher in very exposed areas with an elevated risk of coastal flooding. A Status Orange wind warning will be in place from 6am Saturday until 3am Sunday.

A Status Yellow rainfall warning for Galway is in place at the moment until midnight on Saturday.

Rainfall accumulations generally between 20 to 30mm expected during Friday and Saturday, but 40 to 50 mm possible in mountainous areas, with a continuing risk of flooding due to already saturated ground and elevated river levels.

The Council is making sand bags available for collection by those whose properties are in vulnerable areas, please contact your local area office, during office hours (5am – 5pm):

Athenry/Oranmore: 091 509088
Ballinasloe North & South: 091 509074
Conamara North (Clifden): 091 – 509095
Conamara South (An Cheathrii Rua): 091 – 509060
Loughrea: 091 – 509166
Gort; 091 – 5090G5 (Sand bags can be collected from Gort Salt Barn, Kinincha Road, Gort)
Portumna: 090 – 9741019
Tuam: 091 – 509011

A spokesperson for the County Council said: “The key message is for people is to stay safe during this weather event. The strong winds and heavy rainfall currently being experienced are making driving conditions hazardous and drivers need to take extreme care and watch out cyclists and pedestrians and for the potential of flying debris, flood water, fallen trees and powerlines. Motorists are asked to avoid coastal routes, to make alternative route plans where possible and avoid making unnecessary journeys. Do not drive through flood water unless you are sure your vehicle is able to get through it.

“Given this Orange weather alert, members of the public are advised to take precautions to stay safe and are reminded to make contact with elderly or vulnerable neighbours.”

The following is the list of roads currently closed as a result of flooding over the past fortnight:

N65 Portumna – Road flooded but passable at the bridge
R358 Station Rd Ballinasloe – Road Closed Diversions in place
R339 An Carn Mór Rd – Flooding but passable with care at Greaney Glass
R381 Baile Chláir – road partially flooded heading toward Baile Chláir from Carnmore Cross
R360 Williamstown to Dunmore Road is closed at Kilnalag Cross, 1km from Williamstown. Diversion are in Place
L21162 Ballybeg near Cor an Dola – Road impassable
L7104 An Chréig Bhuí, Baile Chláir – Road closed, Diversions in place
L7103 Kiltullagh Rd, Baile Chláir – Road closed, Diversions in place
L6212 An Pollach (Pollagh) Baile Chláir – passable with care
L71115 An Ghráinseach – Road closed, Diversions in place
L3105 – Carheenlea – Road Closed, Diversions in place
L7161 – Moneteige – Road Closed, Diversions in place
L61981 – Gort Chluain Mór – Road flooded
L-6401 is Closed at Forty Acres, Williamstown with diversions in place.
L-6427 is still closed at Polleagh North, Williamstown with diversions in place.
L-7351 at Ticooly, Caltra is Closed with diversions in place.
L-7250 at Caltra Park, Caltra is Closed with diversions in place.
L3414 at Kilmalaw/Cappagh, Kilconnel – Road flooded but passable
L8103 – Rinn – Road flooded but passable
L8104 – Moneymore East – Road flooded but passable
L3116 – Ballyglass – Road flooded but passable

Tuam Area

L6184 near Corbally North – Road Closed, Diversions in place
L2121 Glenrevagh near Peggy’s bar is closed due flooding. Detour in place
L2101 Causeway road to Inchaquin island is flooded. Only access is by tractor.
L6146 Clough South (Corofin area) passable with care
L6147 Pollinore (Corofin area) closed. Detour in operation
L2106 Belclare – passable with care
L6156 Feagh – Road impassable
L21162 Balrobuckbeg – Road impassable

Conamara

Pier Rd, Oughterard – Road flooded

Meanwhile, City Council crews will be on standby from 2pm on Saturday to deal with any flooding or wind damage caused by the storm.

(Photo is an aerial image of the Headford Road at the Curraghline taken this week by Drone Works Ireland)

The Road Safety Authority has issued the following warning: Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warnings are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey. The following advice is being given to road users. Motorists:

• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
• Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed.
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
• Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
• Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions, especially on high speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.
• If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists:

• Visibility and light is reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
• Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Walk on a footpath, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.
• Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• Cyclist should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike such as bright and light reflective items.