Possibility of flooding predicted as Cork braces for Storm Bram
Traffic passing through surface flood water at Centre Park Road Cork City in November during a Yellow alert for heavy rainfall. Picture: Larry Cummins
Members of the public across Cork are advised to take caution when travelling tomorrow as Storm Bram brings “multi-hazard” implications, including flooding, fallen trees, displaced electricity lines and loose debris.
The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) convened a meeting of all local authorities, including Cork city and county councils, with relevant government departments, state agencies and utility providers to plan and prepare for Storm Bram.
A status orange wind warning, upgraded from status yellow by Met Éireann today, is in place until 3pm Tuesday, which will be followed by a subsequent status yellow wind warning for all of Ireland, which will be in effect until 9pm tomorrow.
The storm, which has been described by the NDFEM as a “multi-hazard event with the potential for significant damage and disruption”, is expected to see several areas across Cork city and county impacted by increased rainfall and strong winds.
As a result of the storm, alongside high-tide at 8.30am tomorrow morning, Cork City Council is warning members of the public that 14 low-lying areas across the city centre may be impacted by flooding, including Morrison’s Quay, Father Mathew Quay, Father Mathew Street, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill Street, Lavitt’s Quay, Kyrl’s Street, Kyrl’s Quay, Crosses’ Green, Sharman Crawford St and Wandesford Quay.
Due to the forecasted heavy rainfall and orange wind warnings, Cork City Council is advising the public to not travel unless necessary, to take care when travelling as conditions will be hazardous, and to ensure any loose outdoor items are secured.
Commuters are warned that a number of road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary during the period of the high tides across Wandesford Quay, Lavitt's Quay and South Terrace.
Diversions will be put in place to ensure traffic can circulate, and any restrictions will be eased when possible.
Cork County Council, meanwhile, said crews were monitoring known hotspots for flooding yesterday, with pumps deployed, and sandbags available in a number of locations.
Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage can be reported to Cork County Council’s emergency number on 021-4800048.
Both Cork city and county councils have said their Severe Weather Assessment and Flood Assessment teams will continue to monitor the situation as the day progresses.
Cork City Council’s customer service unit will operate from 9am, and can be contacted at 021-4924000, however, all emergency situations should be reported directly to emergency services on 999 or 112.
Cork City Council has advised that due to weather conditions, a number of roads will remain closed tomorrow morning.
Due to anticipated flooding, the following roads will be closed by crews at 8 am:
- Wandesford Quay
- Union Quay
- Lavitt’s Quay
Crews will be on-site and will reopen the roads as soon as it is safe to do so.
Met Éireann’s wind warning for Cork has been updated to status orange as the national forecaster names Storm Bram.
A status yellow rain warning was issued by Met Éireann for Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow yesterday, which will come into effect from 9pm tonight and will remain in place until 9am tomorrow.
A status yellow wind warning was then issued earlier today for Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford, which has since been upgraded to status orange as the newly named Storm Bram is expected to bring very strong to gale force winds.
The status orange wind warning will come into effect from 7am tomorrow and will remain in place until 3pm.
A broader status yellow wind warning for Ireland will also be in place tomorrow from 3am until 9pm.
Met Éireann has said that coastal communities in Cork will face the most significant impacts as a result of Storm Bram as its arrival coincides with high tide periods, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
The national forecaster has warned of several impacts for Cork, in addition to flooding of low-lying coastal areas, including wave overtopping along exposed coastlines, difficult travelling conditions as debris and loose objects are likely to be displaced by strong winds, and impacts to outdoor events.
Storm Bram is the second named storm of the 2025-2026 season, following Storm Ashley earlier this year.
A spokesperson for Met Éireann has urged members of the public to secure loose objects that may be outdoors, to avoid coastal areas during the height of the storm, and to plan alternative routes if travelling on Tuesday morning.
The spokesperson also warned that those in low-lying coastal areas should monitor tide times and prepare for possible flooding.
A status yellow gale warning for all coats of Ireland and Irish Sea will also come into place at midnight tonight, remaining in place until midnight tomorrow night, warning of southerly gales or strong gales veering westerly.
Cork County Council has said urged the public to 'say informed and plan ahead' after Met Éireann issued a status yellow rain warning for Cork, which is set to come effect from 9pm tonight until 9am on Tuesday morning.
The national forecaster has also issued a status yellow wind warning, valid from 3am until 9am on Tuesday morning.
Met Éireann has warned that heavy rain falling on already saturated ground will have the potential to cause localised flooding, difficult travel conditions, and impact on planned outdoor events.
There will be strong and gusty southerly winds with gales possible near coasts on Tuesday morning, with an increased flood risk in coastal areas due to coincidence with very high spring tides, and the possible displacement of debris and loose objects.
Cork County Council has said that following a week of heavy and persistent, many rivers across Cork are approaching bank full conditions.
"Furthermore, soils are waterlogged thereby increasing the likelihood of rainfall runoff. Additional rainfall that is forecast for the coming days is likely to result in river flooding," said a spokesperson.
Cork County Council has advised that high tides may prevent river water from discharging to the sea, potentially causing water to back up within river channels and significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas.
• Monitor Met Éireann forecasts over the next 24 hours as conditions may change quickly.
Visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is also available across the Met Éireann app, social media platforms (@meteireann) and other news media sources.
• Check Cork County Council's website and social media channels for information on road closures, flooding updates, and community alerts.
• Allow for disruption during Tuesday morning commute.
• Plan extra travel time and reduce speed.
• Expect surface water, debris and poor visibility on Tuesday morning.
• Check in with neighbours, older people or anyone who may need assistance in case conditions worsen.
• Take care on exposed roads and bridges.
• Watch for fallen branches and debris.
• ESB Networks is 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. The public can monitor www.powercheck.ie in regards to power restoration times.
• Stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals – water levels may rise quickly.
• Keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas.
• Do not drive through floodwater – turn back and use another route.
• Coastal areas may experience wave overtopping, storm surge, and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations.
• Keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide.
• The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: 'Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.
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