Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow wind warning for the island and a Status Orange wind warning for eleven counties from early tomorrow as Storm Bram approaches.
Very strong to gale force southerly winds are expected from 0600 hours on Tuesday until 2100 hours.
Met Éireann also warns of an increased flood risk in coastal areas due to high spring tides.
A Status Orange wind warning is in place for counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford from 0700 until 1500 hours.
Another Status Orange wind warning is in place for counties Clare, Limerick, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 1000 to 2100 hours.
A Status Yellow rain warning is in place for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford from 2100 tonight, Monday, until 0900 on Tuesday morning.
Galway City Council advises that a number of car parks are closed on Monday evening until further notice, including Toft and Salthill carparks, along with Silverstrand road, Ballyloughane beach road and a section of the Rosshill road.
It says its crews will be on site monitoring weather conditions and road closures may need to be implemented if required along sections of Salthill/Seapoint Promenade and Grattan Road.
The Flood Barrier has been installed at Spanish Arch, and sandbags have been put out for the public at the Tourist Kiosk Salthill; Claddagh Hall; Fire Station Fr Burke Road and Spanish Arch.
Galway's Bearna, Terryland, Merlin and Rosshill woods are also closed to the public until further notice, it says.
Yellow warnings will also cover large parts of Britain, including Wales, south-west England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, with gusts of 50-60mph and locally over 70mph.
Combined with heavy rain, this poses significant safety risks, including hazardous travel conditions, delays, and cancellations, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
RoSPA advises the public to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of injury and disruption:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas under Amber warnings or where flooding is likely.
- Keep mobile phones and essential devices fully charged in case of power cuts.
- Monitor official weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
- Secure outdoor items such as bins, signage, and garden furniture to prevent damage.
- Prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries, and non-perishable food.
- Stay indoors during periods of severe weather and ensure windows and doors are shut.
- Check in on vulnerable neighbours, particularly those living alone or in rural areas.
Driving safety tips during heavy rain and flooding
- Rain reduces visibility and doubles stopping distances: slow down and plan manoeuvres early.
- Use windscreen wipers, washers, and dipped headlights at all times.
- Aquaplaning happens when tyres lose grip on surface water: reduce speed, maintain correct tyre pressure and tread depth. If it occurs, ease off the accelerator and brakes until grip returns.
- On flooded roads: avoid deep water near kerbs, don’t cross if depth is uncertain, and if you proceed, drive slowly in first gear, keep engine speed high, and test brakes after exiting water.
- Avoid flooded areas wherever possible.
