Car parks across the city have been closed while in Connemara a number of roads have already flooded this Thursday
With torrential rain starting early on Thursday morning October 2, the subsequent hours have seen many areas closed off due to impassable conditions.
Met Éireann currently has a status yellow rain warning in place for Connacht for widespread rain which is expected to be heavy at times. Potential impacts include localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions. The warning is in place from 6am to 8pm.
The yellow weather warning will be upgraded to an orange wind warning by Friday, October 3 as Storm Amy is set to bring strong winds across the country, particularly along the west coast.
6pm – Galway Bay Marathon, which was set to take place on Saturday October 4, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Amy.
A statement issued on Thursday October 2 reads: “Unfortunately, due the sudden change in direction and predicted force of Storm Amy and in consultation with Galway City Council we have decided to postpone Run Galway Bay to October 11.
“The safety of participants and staff is our priority and the uncertainty that this latest weather event may bring is the deciding factor to postpone. Even if the winds subside there is a strong possibility of flooding and debris on the route.
“We love bringing this great event to our city and we are as disappointed as no doubt you are, that the event cannot go ahead this weekend. We will be putting extra effort to make next week’s event even more special.
“Our team are working very hard cancelling and rearranging all infrastructure and suppliers so please bare with us if our replies to queries are delayed.”
5pm – At rush hour many are reporting flooding across County Galway.
One of the main hit areas seem to be Moycullen where Mountain Road and its sidewalk are still impassable. Traffic delays due to floods have also been reported on the N59 in the Killeen area.
In the meantime, many businesses are announcing temporary closure tomorrow.
Galway City Council announced Eastside Arts Festival events on Friday have been cancelled while the Galway City Museum will close early on at 1pm.
In a statement this afternoon, the local authority added that all Galway City Council woodlands will close tomorrow through to Saturday, pending inspections by their staff.
Also, Aran Island Ferries announced that all ferry departures for Friday afternoon and evening have been cancelled. Sailings from the islands at 8am, 8.10am, 8.15am as well as 10.30am will proceed as scheduled.
Flooding in Moycullen on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Moycullen News Facebook
1pm – Galway City Council have informed people that car parks will be closed off as well including:
Toft Car Park will be closed off to the public until further notice.Salthill Car Park will be closed off to the public until further notice.Silverstrand Road will be closed off to the public until further notice.Ballyloughane Beach Road will be for local access only until further notice.
A statement read: “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.”
Galway City Council are also closing all parks in Salthill as a precautionary measure in anticipation of Storm Amy.
Meanwhile Galway County Council have shut roads across the county such as Mountain Road in Moycullen. Kylemore Bridge is also flooded as well as the road from Knockboy to Glynsk in Carna.
The Mountain Road in Moycullen has flooded PIC CREDIT: Moycullen News Facebook
Kylemore Abbey is also closed on Thursday and Friday due to flooding in the area. A spokesperson issued a notice which read: “Kylemore Abbey will remain closed today, October 2nd, due to extensive flooding on approach roads and across the estate.
“Our priority is the safety of our visitors and our team, so we hope to reopen when it is safe to do so.
Kylemore Bridge, North-West Connemara, has flooded
“Kylemore Abbey will remain closed on October 3, due to extensive flooding on approach roads and across the estate.
“The safety of our visitors and our team remains our top priority, and we will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Keep an eye on our social media for updates. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
“We will be in touch with any pre-booked ticket holders with your options.”
More to follow.