Mayo placed on Level 3 Alert ahead of Storm Lorenzo

Mayo County Council have issued a level 3 alert for the county this morning.

This means that the flood emergency plan has come into operation and arrangements are being put in place in areas of the county that may be at higher risk.

The announcement of the level 3 flood alert comes as a result of Met Eireann’s Status Orange wind warning as Storm Lorenzo moves towards Ireland in addition to a 24-hour Status Yellow rainfall warning which has also been issued by Met Eireann from 9 a.m. this morning until 9 a.m. on Friday,

While the yellow and orange warnings are in place for the entire county, coastal areas are at highest risk from coastal flooding and storm damage.

Heavy rainfall is forecast over the 24-hour period and with elevated water levels and ground saturation following recent high rainfall, the risk of flooding is likely.

The local flood preparedness plans are activated across the municipal district areas.

Details of proposed road closures and or diversions will be published as they are agreed.

The offices of Mayo County Council will remain open as normal today and Mayo County Council crews will be deployed to areas where assistance is needed.

Out of hours arrangements are in place in each of the districts by calling the following numbers:

Belmullet 097 81004

Westport 098 50400

Ballina 096 76100

Ballinrobe 094 954 1029

Castlebar 094 906 4000

Claremorris 094 937 2310

The council is urging the general public to be careful as they go about their daily routines.

Should you need to travel, extreme care should be exercised mindful of the conditions.

Please be aware of the potential of fallen trees, branches, electricity wires, debris on the roads and walk-ways and flooding in certain areas.

In the event of glash flooding and/or fallen trees, the council will endeavour to address the matter as soon as is possible mindful of the safety of staff.

A list of any roads/areas where fallen trees are reported will be published online and on social media channels.

Coastal areas pose a very high risk currently from wind and high seas. Please exercise extreme caution in these areas.

A council spokesperson said: “We would like to assure the public that Mayo County Council will update you with further information as appropriate over next 24 hours and would request the co-operation of the public until such time as the storm has passed.”