There's also more rain on the way, despite February already breaking records going back to the 1800s.
Crisis management teams across the country have been activated as Storm Jorge heads towards Ireland.
Winds of 130kms an hour are expected in western counties, where a status orange warning will come into effect tomorrow.
There's also more rain on the way, despite February already breaking records going back to the 1800s.
With more heavy rainfall forecast on already saturated land, concern remains high over the possibility of flooding along the River Shannon.
The ESB has raised the level of water released through the Parteen Weir.
Tom Browne, Generation Engineering Manager with the ESB says there is a limited amount that can be done to alleviate the flooding:
It's the 3rd storm of the month - with wet and windy weather expected in most areas.
Met Eireann and Clonaslee's Evelyn Cusack says the winds will be strong this weekend:
Keith Leonard, Chair of the National Emergency Co-ordination, is advising people to keep an eye on neighbours, stay away from the coast and take extra care on the roads.
Meanwhile, Laois County Council is warning of some localised spot flooding on Saturday.
Roads staff and Fire & Emergency crews are on standby to support flood management measures over the weekend.
Roads currently closed in Co. Laois - Old Leighlin Road, Graiguecullen.
Westmeath County Council statement in full:
Water levels in the River Shannon are continuing to rise in the Athlone area, albeit at a slower rate than previous days.
The Council is in receipt of an ESB forecast of river levels for the next 4 days and this is indicating that the River Shannon in Athlone will continue to rise up to Sunday 1 st March 2020.
The highest predicted level is 39.30mOD, which is approximately 4cm above current levels.
The combination of permanent and temporary flood defences in Athlone town is proving to be effective in preventing significant flooding and it is
anticipated that the predicted rise of 6cm by Sunday 1 March will not cause major difficulties in the town.
However, the inundation of rural areas adjacent to the Shannon is causing major issues for rural residents and farmers. Assistance is being provided to people in these areas and this will be widened as the need arises in terms of transport and other services over the coming
days.
Storm Jorge
In response to Storm Jorge, Met Éireann has issued a series of weather warnings for various parts of the country. These include an orange
wind warning for County Westmeath from 13:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs tomorrow Saturday.
The public are advised to be aware about meteorological conditions and check if you are exposed to danger by nature of your activity or your specific location.
Westmeath County Council continues to monitor the situation and preparations are in place to address localised issues. Council crews will
be engaged in flood response activities over the weekend and are on standby to respond to incidents, as and when the need arises.
An emergency number is available, including outside of office hours, and can be accessed through 044 933 2000.
Offaly County Council continues to monitor river levels in the County. We are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required and our crews continue to respond to localised flooding.
The following roads currently remain closed due to flooding:
Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place;
The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding;
The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place;
The Pollagh to Derrynagun Road L7020-6 remains closed due to flooding;
The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place.
Offaly County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these essential closures.
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