Updated 7.20pm
THERE IS GOING to be little let-up in the bad weather as the weekend dawns, and now Dublin, Cork and coastal areas in Northern Ireland have been warned to brace themselves for flooding.
There are already reports of flooding in Cork, at Fr Matthew Quay, as well as South Terrace and around the South Mall area.
The Cork City Fire Brigade told TheJournal.ie that the flooding is starting to abate, as the tide has turned.
High tide will return in the early morning, so road closures at Lavitt’s Quay and Morrison’s Island are to remain in place.
Cork City Council’s text alert system was one of the ways people were informed of the impending flood risk.
Frankie Sheehan shared this photo of South Terrace with us:
Richard Jacob, proprietor of Idaho Café in the city centre, took these photographs of the flooding within the past hour:
Farrah Deane sent us this photograph of Cork city centre:
Cork City Council has said that there is a danger of tidal flooding over the next number of days, in particular low-lying areas of the City Centre.
RTÉ reports that Galway City Council has also warned residents to prepare for high tides and possible flooding over the next four days.
AA Roadwatch said that in the last hour, excess water was reported on the Cork to Kinsale Road, between Belgooly and Riverstick.
There are also reports of excess water in Wexford, Tipperary, Waterford and Leitrim.
Northern Ireland
The PSNI has put a multi-agency planning team to work in anticipation of a tidal coastal surge at midday tomorrow (Friday, 3 January) and again on Saturday and Sunday.
It says the surge has the potential to cause flooding in a number of areas across the country.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said today:
The combination of heavy rain, strong winds and high tides beginning tomorrow and lasting throughout the weekend has created the potential for flooding in a number of coastal areas across Northern Ireland.
He said they are working with a number of agencies to ensure that they “are well placed to deal with all eventualities”.
There is the potential for flooding in Belfast, with areas identified as high risk including Sydenham and around the docks area.
Residents of these areas are being asked to consider preparations for potential flooding, and the PSNI and other agencies will be working to provide assistance for those who may be affected.
Members of the public are being asked to stay away from coastal paths and walkways and to drive with extreme caution.
People are being asked to visit their local council website, or if they have specific concerns to contact the PSNI on their non-emergency number, 0845 600 8000.
Dublin
Meanwhile, in Dublin a further series of very high tides are due to occur over the coming weekend, in particular on Friday at 12.33pm and Sunday 5 January at 2.12pm.
As a precaution, the flood gates on the Dodder and the Tolka Rivers will remain closed until the middle of next week.
The council has also closed the Liffey Boardwalk to the public during this period.
To prevent houses and buildings getting damaged, sand bags have been installed at strategic locations in Clontarf (near Alfie Byrne Road) and Sandymount, and will remain there for the same duration.
Public carparks in Sandymount and Clontarf will be closed during this time. Dublin City Council has apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Property owners at risk of tidal flooding, particularly in the Clontarf and Sandymount areas, are advised to protect their properties.
More information can be found on Flooding.ie.
Earlier today, Met Éireann warned people that there will be no let-up from the rain and strong winds this afternoon and night.
Motorists have been asked to take extra care on the roads today, while property owners have been advised by local authorities to take measures to protect their properties.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say