Warning issued due to high tide flood risk in Cork City

High tide on Tuesday is expected to bring flooding to parts of Cork City, with low-lying quays especially set to be impacted. 

Cork City Council on Monday closed a number of roads between 5pm and 7pm due to the risk of flooding. 

It warned that surface water is expected on Wandesford Quay, Lavitts Quay, Union Quay and Kyrl’s Quay Tuesday morning at around 6.29am and again at 6.46pm on Tuesday evening.

The city council is predicting surface water on these low-lying quays with scheduled high tides coinciding with a forecasted tidal storm surge at these high tide times.

It comes as Met Eíreann has issued a status yellow rain warning for Cork from 9pm on Monday until 3pm on Tuesday. The forecaster said that further heavy rain falling on saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, will lead to localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travel conditions. 

A weather advisory is in place for the entire country until February 9, with Met Éireann saying "spells of heavy and persistent rainfall" will continue throughout the week.

"Rain will fall on saturated ground where river levels are high with high tides expected this week. This will lead to further flooding along rivers and in coastal areas," Met Éireann said.

Cork City Council said that it will have crews in the city centre to respond as required.

"The road closures and restrictions could cause some traffic delays and will disrupt some bus routes and timetables during this time.

"The road closures and restrictions are expected to be lifted by 7pm," a statement from Cork City Council said.

Pedestrians are advised to exercise care in the affected areas during the high tide times.

Motorists are advised against parking in the affected areas before high tide, to drive with care in the affected areas, and to allow time for potential diversions or delays.