Tidal flooding and status yellow wind and rain warning issued for Cork city

Cork City Council has shared advice as Met Éireann issues a yellow wind warning and heavy rain advisory for Cork city on Sunday October 20.

As a result of expected heavy rainfall and high winds, the council warned of “potential hazards such as downed trees, localised spot flooding and debris on the roads.” They added, “Road users and cyclists are advised to take extra care when travelling. 

Motorists are asked to slow down, drive with extra care and attention and endure you protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.” Due to predicted high winds, the council advise residents and businesses to take the necessary precautions to ensure that loose items such as trampolines, materials on building sites etc. are properly secured.

There will also be a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides continuing from Friday 18 October, lasting until Sunday 20 October, and there is a tidal surge also forecast to occur during this time.

“These factors combined will result in tide levels higher than the natural tide levels,” the council said.

The natural cycle of High Tides for the following days is: Friday at 18:55, Saturday at 7:15 and 19:38, and Sunday at 7:58 and 20:20.

Householders and businesses should take precautionary measures to protect their property during the high tidal events e.g. erect their flood barriers before high tide on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and leave them in place over night.

It is "highly likely" that road ponding/road flooding may occur in the low-lying areas of the City particularly during the high tides.

Areas likely to be affected are Morrison’s Quay, Fr. Mathew Quay, Fr. Mathew Street, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill Street, Crosses Green, Sharman Crawford St, Wandesford Quay and South Mall, particularly the southern side.

In addition to the above streets, road flooding will also likely occur on Kyrls Quay, Lavitts Quay, Lapps Quay, Proby’s Quay, French’s Quay and Sullivan’s Quay.

However, they added, “Cork City Council is not predicting widespread flooding of property damage due to this Storm event.” Despite this, people are advised to prepare for the period of severe weather including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication.

ESB Networks has highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is 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 1800 372 999, and the public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie.

Cork City Council will be posting regular updates to Twitter (@corkcitycouncil).