Cork City and County Councils warn of imminent flooding

Cork City Council and Cork County Council have both advised that flooding is expected in several areas across Cork this evening, Tuesday 31 October, and over the next few days.

High tide time of note is 18:59 p.m., with the City Council advising that some low-level tidal flooding is expected in low lying areas, as a result of the last of the current cycle of high astronomical Spring tides.

They shared that there is a risk that some roads and parking areas along low-lying quays in the city centre may suffer localised flooding and ponding during high tide, in particular South Terrace, Sharman Crawford Street, Wandesford Quay and Lavitt’s Quay.

With very heavy rain also predicted this evening and tomorrow evening as Storm Ciarán passes over Ireland, road users are advised to proceed with caution.

The County Council warned that Met Eireann have issued a weather advisory for the coming days as the unsettled weather continues to have an impact on waterlogged soil and river levels across the county.

Storm Ciarán is due to pass close to the south coast of Ireland on Wednesday night, 1st November into Thursday, 2nd November, and will bring falls of heavy rain and strong winds with poor visibility leading to difficult and dangerous driving conditions, a representative explained.

Cork County Council crews are on standby in several known risk locations across the county, sandbags and pumping arrangements will be in place in known problem locations, and crews are currently clearing inlets and gullies.

Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay back from the coast, rivers and lakes, and urged in particular to refrain from visiting coastal areas as strong gusts and high waves are predicted.

They are also asking members of the public to exercise extreme caution as driving conditions may be hazardous, with surface and flash flooding possible.

Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain, and warned that strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

All road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris as trees are in full leaf, and never drive through flooded roads as the depth of the water can be deceiving.

Cork County Council also advised that members of the public are advised to prepare for the arrival of the storm including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication, as forecasted conditions may give rise to localised power outages..

Both councils will continue monitoring the situation and sharing further information and warnings on social media, and advised the public to check www.met.ie for up-to-date forecasts.