Flooding expected as Met Éireann issue status orange rain warning for Cork

Met Éireann have updated Cork to a status orange rain warning this weekend with possible flooding expected on Sunday.

Previously, Met Éireann issued a status yellow weather warning which was expected to come into effect from 6pm on Saturday. This status yellow rain warning was to remain in place until midnight on Sunday night.

However, the national forecaster has, as of this morning, issued a status orange warning for Sunday which will come into effect from 3am and remain in place until 6pm on Sunday evening.

Sunday is expected to bring "significant rainfall accumulations, especially on high ground, with the highest totals expected in Kerry and West Cork," Met Éireann have said.

Significant river and surface water flooding, hazardous travelling conditions and poor visibility as expected as a result.

A status yellow rain warning remains in place for counties Cork, Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Donegal and all of Connacht today, Saturday, from 6pm and will see heavy spells of rain with an increased risk of flooding due to high river levels and saturated ground.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said the local authority's Severe Weather Assessment Team convened earlier today to assess preparations as “the risk of flooding in the West Cork and Bandon-Kinsale Municipal Districts is high”.

Council crews have been deployed across the county and are monitoring known hotspots for flooding, with pumps deployed and sandbags available in several locations.

Cork County Council is advising motorists to exercise extreme caution as driving conditions may be hazardous with surface flooding possible.  “Motorists should avoid driving through flowing or standing water and should exercise caution during heavy rain,” the spokespersons said.

“Please be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.” Issues such as flooding and road damage should be reported to the Council’s Emergency Out of Hours number on (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.

In the event of a disruption to power supply, please contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999.