VIDEO & PICS: Storm Frank - Alerts in place as sixth storm hits Ireland

Four weather alerts came into force yesterday as Storm Frank struck off the west coast — the sixth to hit Ireland since the start of the winter.

Along the Shannon basin, land flooded as the ESB increased the flow of water through the Parteen Weir to 440 cumecs (cubic metres per second) and warned that it is likely to increase further.

The ESB also advised that, depending on the expected rainfall associated with Storm Frank, it is likely that water in Lough Derg may reach 2009 levels in the coming days.

“This level of water flow will have increased associated flooding to land and property in the vicinity of the Shannon downstream of Parteen Weir including the areas of Springfield, Montpelier, Castleconnell, Mountshannon (Annacotty) and the University of Limerick,” said the ESB.

“Other areas between Parteen Weir and Limerick may also be vulnerable to flooding due to local issues.”

In Cork, discharge rates by the ESB from the Inniscarra Dam have hit their highest levels yet this winter and yesterday it approached 250 cumecs.

However, anticipated rainfalls in the county were less than expected.

An emergency response team set up in the wake of the 2009 floods had been advised if the situation worsened, the rate could go as high as 400 cumecs — close to that which preceded devastating flooding in the city six years ago.

However, a spokesman for the ESB said rainfall overnight on Monday was not as severe as anticipated and, therefore, the discharge rate from Inniscarra would remain at between 180 and 200 cumecs in the coming days.

While this will provide some relief from homes and businesses on the western approaches to the city, it is still likely to be more than the highest discharge rate during the peak of Storm Desmond, when 180 cumecs discharge rate was maintained from December 6 to 12.

While ESB officials say they are not anticipating a major flooding event in Cork over the coming days, they have urged property owners in flood-risk zones in Inniscarra and the Carrigrohane Road areas, to take precautions.

The Automobile Association reported that the Lee Road was closed again due to flooding and there was also spot-flooding around Carrigrohane, while the Ballea Road in Carrigaline was also flooded.

Cork City Council yesterday advised of a need to maintain high levels of preparedness for flooding in the Carrigrohane Road area.

Storm Frank to hit Ireland by lunchtime https://t.co/Gpxp40Lh9c pic.twitter.com/PybPccyR9b

— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) December 29, 2015

The council is advising property owners in the area that worsening conditions may result in people having difficulties in accessing the properties.

“At this time, flooding is not anticipated for Cork city centre,” said the council, in a statement.

In the meantime, Cork County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team convened again yesterday to review the impending Storm Frank weather forecast.

“Our road crews are mobilised and providing sandbags and flood defences in readiness for a possible flood event,” a council spokesman said.

Didn't think much of #StormFrank until I saw what it was doing to the Glencar Waterfall. #defyinggravity pic.twitter.com/V5GULYtTpB

— Tracy (@tracyotoole1) December 29, 2015

The council also had plans in place to erect flood barriers in Mallow and to close Bridge St in the town, while coastal areas were put on high alert in advance of this morning’s high tide.

“Please exercise caution near overflowing rivers and be aware of standing/moving water on roads,” the spokesman added.

“Avoid driving through floodwater, especially when flowing.”

That warning was echoed yesterday by the Road Safety Authority.

“If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it,” said the RSA.

“Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.

Storm Frank has arrived on Tory. #Donegal #Ireland @DiscoverDonegal @visit_donegal @PictureIreland @wildatlanticway pic.twitter.com/oNvSjUV6UJ

— Owen Clarke Photos (@oclarkephotos) December 29, 2015

“People underestimate the force and power of water. They take unnecessary risks and their vehicle could be swept downstream.”

And in Galway, the city council drew up contingency plans to close roads and car parks along the promenade in Salthill.

The council also advised anyone in the vicinity not to engage in risky behaviour near the seashore.