Cork council's warn of 'challenging' conditions as orange weather warning issued
Met Éireann has warned of heavy rain and possible thundery downpours with the potential for river flooding, especially in mountainous areas. It has also warned of very difficult travelling conditions.
Following the issuing of an orange level rain warning for Cork, which will come into effect from 9pm on Saturday until 5am on Sunday, Cork City Council this evening convened a meeting of its Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT).
Met Éireann has warned of heavy rain and possible thundery downpours with the potential for river flooding, especially in mountainous areas. It has also warned of very difficult travelling conditions.
A council spokesperson said that following consultation with Met Éireann, it is expected that the orange level rainfall will have the greatest impact in West Cork.
“However, Cork city is still expected to experience a significant yellow level rainfall event.,” they said.
Yellow rainfall warnings are issued when between 20mm to 40mm of rainfall is forecast in six hours or less, or when 30mm to 40mm of rainfall is forecast in 12 hours or less.
“Cork City Council does not expect that this rain event will result in widespread flooding, and thus a general notice of potential flooding is not being issued.,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the local authority has advised that travelling conditions from Saturday evening into Sunday morning will be “challenging”, urging road users and motorists to travel with extra care, slow down, and in particular, to be aware of other vulnerable road users.
“Additionally, the heavy rain may result in debris being washed onto roads overnight, and there may also be surface water ponding on certain roads on Sunday morning,” said the spokesperson.
“Thus, while outside of the warning period, Cork City Council advises that additional vigilance is required for anyone travelling on Sunday morning.”
Anyone who may come across a weather related issue that needs to be addressed, is asked to contact Cork City Council on our out-of-hours number 021-496 6512.
“However, if you come across an emergency situation, please contact the emergency services on 999 or 112,” said the spokesperson.
Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team also convened this evening.
A council spokesperson said crews were deployed on Friday afternoon inspecting known risk locations across the county.
"Crews will continue to monitor the situation throughout the weekend. Pumping arrangements will be in place in known problem locations," said the spokesperson.
"The council is asking members of the public to exercise caution as driving conditions may be dangerous, with surface flooding possible. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain. Motorists are also asked to be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians," they added.
Issues such as flooding and road damage should be reported to the council’s 'Emergency Out of Hours' number on 021 480 0048.
In an emergency situation people can dial 999 or 112 and request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate.
"In the event of disruption to water supply, please contact Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278," said the spokesperson.
"Cork County Council will continue to monitor the situation."
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