Statement from Cork County Council on Forecasted Weather Conditions

Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened today in advance of Met Eireann’s Status Yellow - Rainfall warning for Cork County. Met Eireann has forecasted heavy rain with the chance of thunder leading to localised flooding and difficult travel conditions. The warning is in effect from 6pm this evening (Sunday 22nd) until 6pm tomorrow (Monday 23rd).

A weather front is forecast to travel across the county overnight from west to east with a potential 30mm of rain forecast for some locations. Based on the most recent forecast patterns available, it is expected that the most intense rainfall periods will commence this evening and during the early morning hours (Monday 23rd). The East Cork area is of greatest concern based on current predictions. Separately, Met Eireann has issued a level Orange Rainfall warning for counties in the South East.

Cork County Council is asking areas which were impacted by recent flood events to be conscious of the risk of possible future flooding. Residents in flood prone areas who have previously been issued with sandbags are advised to take all necessary precautions considering the forecast.

Although river levels have dropped over recent days, levels remain elevated. The advice is therefore for people to remain vigilant. Localised heavy downpours are expected, the exact location of which is unknown. It should be noted that surface water drainage systems have limited capacity and localised downpours and flash flooding may overwhelm drainage systems even where they have been fully cleared. There is also a likelihood of surface water flooding on already saturated ground conditions.

The Council has been distributing sandbags throughout the county since the severe weather alerts have been issued. It is noted that in the Midleton/East Cork area alone more than 7,000 sandbags have been distributed to date with the assistance of the Defence Forces. 

Property owners across the county are advised to take all necessary precautions to safeguard their property. In the event of river levels rising to a level of concern, the Council will endeavour to advise residents in areas that may be at greatest risk.

The Council will distribute further sandbags on a priority basis.

Main Street in Carrigaline will close from 9.30pm this evening (Sunday 22nd) until 8am tomorrow morning (Monday 23rd), at which point the matter will be reviewed. 

Cork County Council is reminding members of the public to exercise extreme caution as driving conditions may be hazardous, with further surface water flooding expected. Motorists are advised to expect difficult travel conditions and poor visibility at times. Motorists should avoid driving through flowing or standing water as there is a risk of vehicles becoming stranded in flood waters. Motorists are reminded to be especially conscious of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

 Over the weekend Cork County Council can be contacted via its 'Emergency Out of Hours' number (021) 4800048.

Cork County Council will issue further updates as information becomes available.

The weather forecast for the following days suggests that the weather will remain unsettled.