Cork public urged not to travel for duration of status red weather warning
People in Cork and Galway, where status red rain warnings have been issued for tonight, have been urged not to travel for the duration of the warnings. Picture: Dan Linehan
Cork City Council said its severe weather assessment team met this afternoon and reviewed the latest forecasting information for this weather event.
"Following this meeting, the city council is advising that though there will be substantial rain, Cork city is not expected to experience levels of rainfall equating to a red warning situation," a spokesperson said.
"Heavy rainfall is expected from midnight tonight to 10am Saturday morning.
"No tidal flooding is expected but some localised spot flooding and appearance of debris because of rainfall are likely. "Motorists are asked to slow down, drive with extra care and to ensure that they drive in a manner that protects vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians."
People in Cork and Galway, where status red rain warnings have been issued for tonight, have been urged not to travel for the duration of the warnings.
Earlier today, Met Éireann issued the highest possible alerts for the two counties.
They both come into effect at midnight and are currently set to remain in place until 10am tomorrow.
⚠️Status Red Rainfall Warning issued⚠️
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) November 22, 2024
Areas: Cork & Galway
Highest accumulations are expected in west Galway & west Cork
Severe flooding & damage expected.
Valid: Saturday 23/11 00:00 to 10:00
Full details⬇️https://t.co/z40PFYeVMs pic.twitter.com/W1XScQAz6o
Storm Bert is forecast to bring intense falls of rain over a short period of time overnight with the highest accumulations in West Cork.
Met Éireann has advised that the possible impacts could include severe flooding, damage to homes and businesses, and treacherous travelling conditions.
In a statement this afternoon, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said that the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM), Met Éireann and relevant agencies met this morning to discuss the weather warnings associated with Storm Bert, which will affect Ireland’s weather tonight and into the weekend.
Keith Leonard, national director of the NDFEM urged people not to travel for the duration of the warning.
“Local Authority severe weather teams are activated and are preparing for the storm’s approach.
“As weather events are changeable ones, members of the public should monitor Met Éireann’s ongoing advice and act accordingly.
“Essential Service Operators will link with Met Éireann aiming to continue operations subject to the prevailing local conditions,” he said.
“Even after the storm has passed, there is a strong possibility of road flooding or fallen trees so drivers are urged to take care in the aftermath of the storm.
“For all members of the public, whatever part of the country you are in, rain and winds will be a factor overnight and early tomorrow.
“I would urge you to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’.
“Also, dangerous travelling conditions are possible and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees.
“In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations.” In advance of the status red rain warning, a status yellow wind and rain warning for Munster will come into effect at 10pm tonight and is expected to remain in place until noon tomorrow.
An additional status yellow wind warning for Cork has this afternoon been issued.
It comes into effect at 5pm tomorrow and will remain valid until 2am Sunday.
The NDFEM said it will continue to liaise with Met Éireann and monitor the situation to coordinate an appropriate response.
On the ground, local authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams (SWATs) will continue to monitor conditions locally and local authorities have their emergency response teams in place, ready to respond where and when necessary.
In an update, Cork County Council said it will have staff monitoring the situation in vulnerable areas such as Bantry and Midleton throughout the night.
“Pumping arrangements are in place in known problem locations.
“Sandbags are available at priority locations. Flood barriers have been installed in Mallow and Fermoy as a precaution,” a council spokesperson said.
“Issues such as flooding and road damage can be reported over the course of the weekend to the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number (021) 4800048.
“In the event of an emergency call 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate. Do not assume others will do this,” they added.
Met Éireann has escalated Cork's weather warning to a status red with the public alerted to the potential of "severe flooding".
A status orange rain warning had been issued for Cork valid from 12am tonight to 10am tomorrow but this has now been upgraded to a status red for those hours.
The national forecaster said impacts could include "severe flooding", damage to homes and businesses and treacherous travelling conditions.
Highest accumulations are expected in West Cork, Met Éireann said.
"This weekend, Storm Bert will move close to Ireland, displacing the recent cold Arctic airmass.
"Storm Bert will continue to dominate our weather through the weekend and into early next week and further warnings will be issued for this event," the forcaster said in an advisory issued yesterday.
That advisory is currently valid until midnight on Tuesday.
In advance of the status red rain warning, a status yellow wind and rain warning for Munster will come into effect at 10pm tonight and is expected to remain in place until noon tomorrow.
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