Worst rainfall since records began

FLOODS which wreaked havoc across Ireland last month were the worst seen since records began almost 150 years ago.

Figures have confirmed rainfall levels, recorded at the Valentia observatory near Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, were unmatched since the weather station opened in 1866.

Gerald Fleming, head of forecasting at Met Éireann, said in a single 30-day period a total of 358 millimetres of rain fell at the station – the equivalent of 14 inches.