Flood alerts issued as heavy rain is forecast

Flood warnings have been issued after forecasters warned of at least three waves of heavy rain which are expected to cross the country over the next 36 hours.

Cork County Council put the town of Fermoy on notice of potential damage yesterday as the levels in the Blackwater rose. A earlier decision to block access to the bridge, and erect flood barriers, was postponed but gardaí said the situation was being monitored overnight as water levels rose.

There was particular concern for the southern bank of the Blackwater and the unfinished section of the town’s new flood defence system. A yellow alert was also in place for Bandon.