Cork at 'heightened risk' as Council activate flood response ahead of weekend weather
An articulated truck makes its way through the floods at Ardcahan bridge. For the second time in eight days the main Dunmanway to Macroom road R587 was impassable at Ardcahan bridge due to flooding. Picture; David Patterson.
Cork County Council has activated a Level 1 flood response plan for East Cork ahead of this weekend’s yellow weather warning.
The local authority’s Severe Weather Assessment Team met this afternoon following Met Éireann’s announcement of a “heightened risk” for flooding across Cork this weekend.
The status yellow rain warning, issued today, will come into effect from 9am tomorrow and will remain in place until 9am on Saturday.
The national forecaster additionally issued a weather advisory for 11 counties, including Cork, regarding flood risks, which will come into effect from midnight tonight and will remain in place until midnight on Saturday.
Further spells of heavy rainfall are expected over the coming days on already saturated ground, which may lead to excess surface water and further flooding across Cork.
A spokesperson for Cork County Council said that crews have inspected known risk locations in East Cork and will continue to monitor and respond as required.
The spokesperson further said that pumping arrangements have been put in place at locations prone to flooding.
“Cork County Council will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary,” the spokesperson said.
Due to this period of unsettled weather, the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas, as wave overtopping is possible; as well as keeping clear of swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, as banks can collapse without warning; and to avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions, as water levels and currents may be stronger than usual.
Motorists and road users are also advised to slow down, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads, as poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions can be expected during heavy periods of rain.
Issues such as flooding or road damage should be reported to the Cork County Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number at: 021-480-0048 or to your local council office during working hours.
For emergencies, call 999 or 112 and request the appropriate service, such as fire, ambulance, gardaí, or the Irish Coast Guard.
In the event of water supply disruptions, contact Uisce Éireann at: 1800-278-278.
App?
