Storm Kathleen already making its mark on Cork

Rain and wind has already struck Cork, ahead of the Status Orange wind and rainfall warning issued for the county in effect from 7am until 2pm tomorrow.

Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has met in advance of the weather warning, and predicted that across the city, the strong winds, rainfall and saturated ground conditions will likely lead to some spot flooding, surface water, debris on roads and footpaths and hazardous driving conditions.

The adverse weather caused a tree to fall in Cork city this evening, blocking the road.

@CorkSafetyAlert Churc Rd blocked near Skehard due to tree being cleared pic.twitter.com/dzUJA2eOIx

— desod (@desodr1) April 5, 2024

Road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, are asked to proceed with care and not to drive through a flooded road.

Having reviewed the tidal surge forecast models no significant city centre flooding is expected, but there may be some ponding on low lying quays during the morning at high tide at 4am on Saturday.

Winds are expected to be severe and as a result Cork City Council asks that members of the public secure loose items such as wheelie bins, garden furniture, trampolines etc, and make all construction sites secure in advance of high winds, including plant, materials, and fencing.

They have also advised people to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication, and not to make any unnecessary journeys during the period of the orange warning and, if they must travel, be vigilant for the risk of fallen trees and debris on roads.

Cork City Council emergency and incident response crews are on standby, and are prepared to address any damage that might result from the severe winds.

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and are advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately.

ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1850 372 999, and the public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regard to power restoration times.

They are advised to also monitor Met Éireann forecasts or visit https://www.met.ie/ and Cork City Council’s website, or join email and text messaging service for updates on https://alerts.corkcity.ie/.

To report fallen trees or flooding, contact Cork City Council on 021 4966512, and the Emergency Services may be contacted by dialling 112 or 999.