Galway Bay fm newsroom – Gardaí across Galway are advising against all unnecessary travel this evening as Storm Desmond hits.
A status red weather warning has been issued for Galway and the west and north-west.
Persistent heavy rains are expected to lash the county from this evening.
The highest level rainfall alert comes into effect in the next hour (6pm), and Met Eireann is predicting that extremely heavy rain will fall in Connacht, Donegal, Clare and Kerry.
It says severe accumulations in excess of 70mm can be expected, with greater totals on higher ground.
The warning will remain in effect until the early hours of Sunday morning.
The forecaster has also issued a Status Orange wind warning for Galway, with winds of up to 120 km/h set to whip across the county tonight.
That warning will remain in place until six tomorrow evening.
Gardai are warning motorists using the M6 motorway to exercise extreme caution, as high winds are creating dangerous situations for vans and lorries.
Galway City Council is also urging caution, particularly with the possibility of spot flooding on roads across the city.
It’s also advising caution in exposed coastal areas including along The Prom in Salthill.
Galway County Council has issued a warning to motorists, advising them to be on the alert for fallen trees or powerlines and flooding.
The council is also asking people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
3 minor roads are closed due to flooding in the Ballylee area near Gort at Carrowbaun and Newhall.
There’s also some flooding on R460 at Kilmacduagh, but road is currently passable.
Road users are being asked not to drive into floods unless they are sure that it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, the switching on of the Christmas lights in the Square, Athenry this evening has been cancelled as a result of the weather.
The event was due to take place at 7pm has been called off
Organisers say they’re hoping to reschedule the event in Athenry for 7pm on Monday