Storm Bram flood levels higher in Louth than forecast by models, say council

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Significant coastal flooding and wind damage caused by Storm Bram saw a major clean-up get underway across the county on Wednesday.

Louth County Council confirmed it’s Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met to review the impact of Storm Bram.

Ahead of the predicted high tides and surge levels, local authority staff had distributed sandbags and activated flood barriers in coastal areas on Monday.

"Despite these measures, upper flood levels were approximately 200mm higher than forecast by flood models,” said a council spokesman.

Blackrock sustained the most damage during the storm, with a combination of high tides and gale-force winds causing waves to overtop the promenade walls.

“When it became apparent that the storm surge was significantly higher than forecast, road closures were implemented at several locations across the county. These closures remained in place until water had receded, and clean-up operations could begin.”

In Blackrock, the impact of strong winds and high tides led to damage to paving stones and vehicles that were parked on Main Street.

The council deployed road sweepers to assist with the cleanup on Tuesday evening, while council crews, along with voluntary groups such as Blackrock Tidy Towns, continued the clean up.

George’s Quay in Dundalk also experienced flooding, with Louth County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service assisting with pumping at the Spirit Store. As a result, the junction at Quay Street was closed for an hour after vehicles became stranded in floodwater.

"The council’s Out-of-Hours crew worked overnight to clear gravel and seaweed from Shore Road, Ballagan, restoring access for residents who were blocked from their homes. Crews returned on Wednesday to remove the remaining debris,” said the spokesman.

The Out-of-Hours crew also attended a spillage of clay and mud at Junction 17 of the M1 at 1am on Wednesday, where it had spread to the N53.

One fallen tree blocked the Hackballscross to Knockbridge road, which reopened after a three-hour closure.

Fallen trees were also reported across the mid-Louth area, including three evergreens in Castlebellingham, which were cleared by Tuesday evening. Crews also removed a tree blocking the Kells Road near Collon.

In south Louth multiple fallen trees were cleared at Termonfeckin Road, King William’s Glen, Slane Road and Forest Park.

“A wall collapsed onto Togher Road during gale-force winds and was made safe by crews during daylight hours, and almost 30 tonnes of debris were washed up on Baltray Road at Bankstown and had to be promptly cleared by council crews,” according to the spokesman.

"Marsh Road was badly affected by flooding, with road sweepers deployed to clear gullies. Further pressure jetting of pipework will be required to remove silt arising from the storm.”

“Louth County Council thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation and acknowledges the efforts of staff who worked tirelessly to minimise disruption and restore normal conditions. The council’s SWAT will review all aspects of its response to Storm Bram as part of its ongoing review of emergency response.”