Residents across Arklow and County Wicklow are being warned to prepare for heavy rainfall, possible flooding and dangerous coastal conditions as Storm Austen moves across Ireland tonight, Thursday, 22nd October.
Strong easterly winds will turn northwesterly and increase during the day. Falling branches and debris, slippery roads and difficult driving conditions are expected during the storm. Coastal areas face an additional threat.
A Status Orange marine warning is in place for the waters from Wicklow Head southwards from 9pm this evening until 7am tomorrow morning. There will be north to northwesterly Force 10 gales or higher with high seas and rough conditions expected.
The same warning also applies in Arklow, with especial care needed around the town’s Harbour, South Beach and other exposed areas of the seafront as strong winds and rough seas will render access extremely hazardous.
For residents living on the banks of the Avoca River and near areas of previous flooding in the town, the prospect of continued heavy rainfall over an extended period will also be a concern.
There are no current local incidents of flooding in the town of Arklow but the weather warnings are in place for the possibility of local flooding.
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued a joint safety message ahead of this weekend’s bank holiday and urge people to exercise caution near cliffs, piers and other areas along the coastline over the stormy weather forecast for October 22nd.
The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI are also reminding everyone to be extra aware of the weather and to exercise particular caution near cliffs, piers and other seafronts. In addition to avoiding swimming during bad weather, people are asked to check the forecast first before going off for activities such as surfing, diving, fishing, sailing, or other water activities.
If there is an incident at sea, or an incident occurs on a beach or cliff, ring 999 or 112 for the Coast Guard.
Met Éireann have updated their forecast for the remainder of the night with the heaviest rainfall expected to clear out of Leinster during Friday morning and move eastwards.
For travel on Friday morning and throughout the day check the latest weather forecasts and warnings, as well as travel information before setting out.
The Status Orange rainfall warning for Wicklow remains scheduled from 2am until 8am on Friday, 23rd October.
