Roof blown off building in Youghal as Storm Agnes sweeps across Cork

Storm Agnes left its mark on the seaside town of Youghal where the roof was blown off a building earlier today. 

Emergency services, staff from ESB Networks and council crews attended at the incident along the Front Strand. 

Cork County Council told the Echo that Youghal Fire Service had attended at the scene. 

The local road is closed.

Cork County Council’s @CorkCountyFire Service & Road Crews are responding to an incident at Front Strand #Youghal involving a property which has been impacted by #StormAgnes

⚠️The local road is temporarily closed and members of the public should avoid the area at this time⚠️ pic.twitter.com/MCxHidW6uU

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) September 27, 2023

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Motorists in Cork are continuing to experience difficult driving conditions across the city and county with reports of heavy surface water and debris in some areas this evening. 

Bus Éireann suspended services for a time through Glanmire for a time after a tree came down near Vienne Woods hotel. Normal services have since resumed. 

In West Cork, the Route 236 services will operate with delays, it said, due to fallen trees on the Glengariff to Bantry Road. 

Cork City Council is advising that the R579 in Blarney is currently closed as the river has burst its banks.

"Cork City Council asks motorists to drive with caution today as conditions are hazardous. Our crews are working to clear debris and address surface flooding," the local authority said on social media. 

⚠️The R579 in Blarney is currently closed as the river has burst its banks.
🚗Cork City Council asks motorists to drive with caution today as conditions are hazardous. Our crews are working to clear debris and address surface flooding. pic.twitter.com/XvwYEQv6Jm

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) September 27, 2023

In an update this afternoon, Cork City Council said that its Severe Weather Assessment and Flood Assessment Teams continue to monitor data from Met Éireann with regard to the ongoing Status Orange wind and rainfall warning for Cork City.

A spokesperson said that Storm Agnes has moved faster than anticipated across the region, therefore the predicted tidal surge no longer coincides with high tide in Cork City, reducing the anticipated risk of localised flooding in low-lying quay areas of the city.

The road closures and lane restrictions announced yesterday are no longer required and Cork City Council is not predicting any tidal flooding at 5pm this evening.

"However, rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue, so Cork City Council urges road users to drive with care, as driving conditions may be poor, with strong winds blowing debris around, heavy rain affecting visibility and risk of spot flooding on roads. Please slow down and drive with extra care and attention," the spokesperson said. 

This morning a number of trees fell across the city due to the strong winds and there were a number of minor localised flooding issues.

"Cork City Council Roads, Drainage and Parks crews have been onsite all morning addressing these issues, clearing debris, fallen trees and branches from roads and to address surface flooding issues," the spokesperson said. 

"Cork City Council would like to remind communities and businesses that the two Orange Weather Warnings remain in place until later this afternoon and that they need to continue to take due care and attention of this significant weather event.

"Householders are asked to secure loose items such as wheelie bins, garden furniture, trampolines, etc."

Cork City Council’s Customer Service Unit is available at 021 492 4000 until 5 p.m. For emergencies requiring the emergency services, the public should contact the emergency services at 112 or 999.