Multiple roads in Cork city centre to close due to flooding risk

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.

Following an assessment, Cork City Council has decided to close Wandesford Quay from 5pm to 7pm on Monday. There will also be lane restrictions on Lavitts Quay in the city centre from 5pm to 7pm.

Any flooding is expected to have receded by approximately 7pm on Monday night.

It comes as Met Eíreann has issued a status yellow rain warning for Cork, as well as Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford. The warning will be in place 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 Éirean 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.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council said its Severe Weather Assessment Team will monitor the situation this evening and overnight, with crews on standby ready to respond if required.

It said: "People in coastal areas should be on the alert to the possibility of coastal flooding due to forecast high tides."