STORM ERIK UPDATE - ROADS AND STORM UPDATE 11:30AM

**The RSA has asked motorists to check traffic conditions and to expect the unexpected**

The Toft Car Park on Seapoint Promenade is underwater and a number of cars parked there have been flooded.

Traffic restrictions on the main route westwards through Salthill were lifted after this morning's high tide.
Elsewhere, high tides in north Mayo led to flooding on the Belmullet to Blacksod road earlier today. Gardaí say the waters have receded slightly and the route is now passable with care. However, they are advising motorists that strong winds have knocked some power lines in the area and that they should remain vigilant for the risk they pose.
WATERFORD: The N72 is closed at Cappoquin until Saturday (9th) to facilitate emergency tree removal. Diversions via Vee Rd (R668) in Lismore and Melleray Rd (R669) in Cappoquin will be signposted.
WATERFORD: Extreme care is advised on the Promenade in Tramore due to high winds and sea spray.
Donegal: due to fallen tree on Eircom lines on L-2365-2 approx 1.3km beyond Cashelard cross roads on route to McNulty’s quarry on the main N15 road was blocked this morning but since has reopened .

The Promenade in Salthill will remain closed for a time. 1 hour after high tide and over-topping continues with very high winds. Stay safe. #stormErik pic.twitter.com/iCYfBfQhiG
— Galway City Council (@GalwayCityCo) February 8, 2019

Storm Erik is now beginning to hit hard along the west coast of Ireland in the last hour winds have gone from a status yellow wind warning speeds to Orange wind warning speed strongest winds have been recorded at Belmullet Mayo at 7am and Mace Head Galway

Belmullet Mayo a gust of 115km/hr has been recorded
Mace head Galway a gust of 122km/hr has been recorded

Highest gust in Donegal so far as occurred in the last hour in south Donegal near Ballyshannon at the Finner weather station with a gust of 101km/hr

**Gust between 7am and 8am this morning**

**Gust between 10am and 11am this morning**

Continues below

A Orange weather warning fro strong winds is currently in place for Mayo and Galway this morning and will remain in place until 13:00hrs today. A orange warning for strong winds will come into effect for Co.Donegal at 09:00hrs this morning and remain in place over the whole day right into 06:00hrs Saturday 9th February 2019. A yellow wind warning is in place for the rest of Ireland for today and ends at 06:00hrs Saturday 9th February 2019

ORANGE WIND WARNING - DONEGAL, MAYO & GALWAY

Southwest to west winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with some severe or damaging gusts of 110 to 130 km/h. The highest winds will be in exposed coastal areas, where these values may be exceeded at times.
Very high seas as well with some coastal flooding.

YELLOW WIND WARNING - REST OF IRELAND

Southwest to west winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 65 km/h with gusts of 80 to 110 km/h. Along exposed Atlantic coasts these values may be exceeded for a while and with very high seas this will give the risk of coastal flooding.

YELLOW RAINFALL WARNING - DONEGAL, MAYO, GALWAY & KERRY