THE COAST GUARD has urged members of the public to heed weather warnings after Met Eireann issued an alert of further gales and flooding.

This evening the Coast Guard said it “strongly advises the public not to go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers, harbour walls, beaches, promoenades or any other coastal areas during the inclement weather”.

“Huge waves can be whipped up by high seas which can pose hazards to anyone close to the shoreline.”

Met Eireann has also confirmed that there is the potential for further coastal flooding in the south and southeast due to a combination of high tides, onshore gales and expected rainfall of up to 25mm.

Severe weather such as this brings not only high winds, but the risk of heavy downpours and the potential for spot flooding, the Coast Guard said.

Irish Coast Guard Manager Declan Geoghegan said people should not attempt to cross fast running rivers or floods as they may be stronger and deeper than they think.

“Flooded urban areas can contain hazards such as submerged manholes and downed power lines,” he said. “The combination of tides, gales warnings, high sea conditions and swollen rivers may result in very dangerous conditions.”

The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport also advises anyone travelling this weekend to monitor weather broadcasts, and to heed the advice of the RSA during severe weather and high winds.

Specific advice from the Coast Guard is:

• The public is advised to stay away from the shoreline and to avoid engaging in water sports
• Do not venture out unnecessarily when gale force conditions are forecast
• Avoid exposed coasts, cliff paths and coastal areas during inclement weather this week

If you do see someone in difficulty in the sea, on the shore, cliffs, lakes or rivers dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.