Council crews on standby in case of flooding as Cork braces for Storm Betty 

From late this evening, tonight, and due to last until Saturday morning, Storm Betty will bring south to southwest gales with severe gusts of up to 130 km/hr., spells of heavy rain and possible coastal flooding. Winds will be strongest in southern coastal counties with severe or damaging gusts possible. Potential impacts could range to structural damage, falling trees, travel disruption, power outages, localised flooding and wave overtopping.

According to Met Éireann, potential impacts of Storm Betty include fallen trees, localised flooding, wave overtopping in coastal areas and power outages. The orange wind warning will be in effect until 3am on Saturday morning.

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened this afternoon in response to these weather warnings and to review preparations. Council response crews and contractors have been put on notice and are on standby.

"Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes," the council stated. 

"With strong gusts and high waves predicted, people are urged to refrain from visiting coastal areas.

"Property owners, residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions for this dangerous weather event, to protect property, to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay indoors during the warning periods.

"Sandbags and pumps have been deployed while crews also remain on standby in areas known to be affected by coastal flood events," the local authority added.

Cork County Council also advised road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. 

"Driving conditions will be hazardous with falling trees and surface flooding possible," the council warned. 

"Motorists are advised to drive with caution during heavy rain, not to drive through flood waters and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians."

Dursey Cable Car will not operate after 4pm this evening and will return to operation only when wind speeds permit and following an inspection if necessary, tomorrow morning. Updates will be available on @CorkCoCo social media.

"Forecasted conditions may give rise to localised power outages," the local authority added. "In the event of disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.

"In the event of disruption to water supply, please contact Irish Water at 1800 278 278.

"Issues such as flooding and road damage should be reported to your local council office during working hours (9am to 5pm), details of which can be found by visiting www.corkcoco.ie. Outside working hours, the council can be contacted via its Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048.

"Call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate.

"Cork County Council will continue to monitor this situation."