LAST UPDATE | 18 Oct 2022

MET EIREANN HAS issued a Status Orange rain warning for five counties from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow. 

The warning applies to Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wicklow and Wexford.

Met Éireann said that there will be heavy rain tonight and tomorrow, with the possibility of thundery downpours localised flooding.

Disruption is likely, the forecaster said.

Cork City was hit with heavy flooding over the weekend as a result of torrential rainfall.

Members of Cork City Fire Brigade and Cork City Council worked throughout the evening yesterday to clear water from the city and ensure flooding was kept to a minimum.

Cork City Council is advising property owners and businesses to protect their properties by purchasing sandbags or gelbags from hardward shops or builders’ providers. 

🔔Sand bag & Gel bag collection information

📢Cork City Council is advising property owners & businesses to protect their properties by purchasing sandbags or gelbags from hardware shops or builders’ providers.

⚠️Please note that availability is limited. pic.twitter.com/ImHUxL0kgq

— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) October 18, 2022

In a statement this evening, Cork County Council said the groundwater levels are currently elevated following Sunday’s heavy rain. 

The Council’s severe weather assessment team convened this afternoon to assess preparations with crew deployed to clear drains in areas prone to flooding. 

Pumps have also been deployed and are on standby at known flooding locations throughout the county. 

In Fermoy, the low level flood gate has been closed at Brian Boru Square Car Park. 

The Council is asking people to report issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage to its emergency out-of-hours number at 021 480 048 or at local council offices during working hours. 

The Council said it will continue to monitor the situation. 

Elsewhere in the country, Status Yellow rainfall warnings have been issues for some counties.

A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly and Tipperary. This will kick in at midnight tonight and will remain in place until midnight tomorrow. 

Another Status Yellow rain warning has been issued for Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Louth and Meath. This warning kicks in at 4am and will remain in place until midnight tomorrow. 

Residents of these counties should expect heavy rain tonight and tomorrow, with the possibility of thundery downpours, which could lead to localised flooding and some disruption.

A Status Yellow tunderstorm warning is currently in place for Cork and Kerry until midnight tonight.

Warning to motorists 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has warned drivers to exercise caution and to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

Motorists are advised to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather condition, particularly on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways.

The RSA also said: “If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.”

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists were similarly warned to take care by wearing bright clothes and high-visibility material.

Please note that all TUS Munster GAA Post Primary Schools games scheduled to take place tomorrow Wednesday October 19th are now postponed due to the rainfall warnings issued for the Province.

Games will be rescheduled in due course. pic.twitter.com/H9gdkgIAjL

— Munster P.P.S. (@Munsterpps) October 18, 2022

All Munster GAA post primary schools games scheduled to take place tomorrow are now postponed due to the rainfall warning.

With reporting by Hayley Halpin