A further meeting of the National Coordination Group to discuss the on-going severe weather was held in the (NECC) National Emergency Coordination Centre today to review the response to date, to assess the impact of the storms on infrastructure and communities and to ensure that the response of relevant local authorities, Government Departments and Agencies continues to be coordinated.
The NCG is comprised of representatives from all the main government departments and all the key state agencies this includes, inter alia, OPW, ESB, HSE, Civil Defence, Coast Guard, Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána & Met Eireann
Local authorities remain on standby and continue to monitor the situation and in the areas where further flooding may occur they are making the necessary preparations. These preparations are supplemented by the Defence Forces and other service providers when and where required..
Met Eireann
Met Eireann advises heavy rain has fallen overnight and continues to fall but this should clear later in the afternoon. Sleet or snow continuing for a time over northern parts. Drier conditions in the west and northwest will extend gradually southeastwards this afternoon, with rain possibly turning to sleet or snow on high ground for a time before it clears. The rain will not clear southern coastal areas for the rest of today. Become cold almost everywhere this afternoon with temperatures of 3 to 5 degrees by mid-afternoon. Windy along south coasts at first, with strong southwest winds.
The weather tomorrow will improve somewhat but more rain is forecast for early next week.
ESB
ESB advises that the Shannon continues to rise and that the flow of water through Parteen Weir will increase to 405 cubic metres per second today Saturday 12 December.
The levels in Lough Derg are monitored and regular assessments made of flows. The flow will increase to 405 cubic metres per second today and is likely to increase further later today or tomorrow Sunday. With further rain expected, the level of water flowing down the Shannon may increase further in the following days.
This level of water flow is likely to lead to increased flooding of roads, land and property in the vicinity of the Shannon downstream of Parteen Weir including the areas of Springfield, Montpellier, Castleconnell, Mountshannon (Annacotty) and the University of Limerick.
ESB is continuing to monitor the situation and is liaising with the relevant County Councils.
View infographic on the River Shannon system.
OPW
Max rise in mid Shannon catchment - Athlone area is 3 inches approx..Lower Shannon catchment - is approx 1 inch rise.Many of the other catchment being monitored had fallen overnight - the Brosna, Suck, Moy, Erne and Clare;Lower Shannon estimates time to peak remains Sunday and Monday;Huge intensity in rainfall today will cause surface water and pluvial flooding in affected areas.