Many rural roads in Cork are closed due to flooding this afternoon

Both Cork city and county councils have said they are following procedures to mitigate flood risks as Met Eireann’s status yellow rain warning remains in place until tomorrow morning.

The national forecaster issued a status yellow rain warning for Cork and Kerry this morning, which will remain in place until 9am tomorrow.

Met Éireann said members of the public can expect increased rainfall accumulations during this period as a result of heavy showers or longer spells of rain.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, possible impacts include localised flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

Speaking to The Echo, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said while this heavy rain may cause some localised flooding, they “are not predicting widespread flooding as part of this warning”.

“There is no city centre tidal flooding predicted,” the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council confirmed that the local authority is following its procedures as per protocol in the event of weather warnings and will “continue to monitor and implement localised mitigation measures where required”.

Spot flooding and increased surface water on roads has been reported in the areas of the Banduff Road, the Maglin Road, the Wilton Roundabout, and Douglas Street, with road closures in place across the R587 at Arcahan Bridge outside Dunmanway, the R594 at Madore near Drimoleague and the R603 Bandon to Kilbrittain Road.

It is further understood that more minor roads across West Cork have become impassable, with substantial run-off coming from flooded fields, and that flood barriers have been erected in the Fermoy and Mallow areas.

TOO EARLY

Following this period of heavy rainfall, a storm is further predicted to hit the coast of Cork on Monday evening, with the city council spokesperson stating that it is “too early to make any predictions at this time”.

However, the spokesperson said members of the council will “continue to engage with Met Éireann over the weekend and will issue updates if required”.

In addition to the status yellow rain warning, a status yellow gale warning is in place for all coasts of Ireland and on the Irish Sea.

The gale warning, which came into effect at 6am, will remain in place until 9pm this evening, and warns of south-easterly winds, veering south-westerly, reaching gale force 8 or strong gale force 9.

A small craft warning for all coasts of Ireland is also in place, and will remain in effect until midnight.