Storm Francis: 'We've questions to be answered' after flooding overwhelms defences in Cork

Damaged main street in Bantry, west Cork following severe flooding. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

There has been widespread damage in parts of West Cork after heavy rainfall left roads and properties flooded.

Bantry and Bandon were among the towns in Cork worst hit by flooding last night due to the heavy rain brought by Storm Francis.

It came only days after the region was hit by Storm Ellen.

Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard in Bandon and said up 20 properties have been destroyed and questions need to be answered. 

Mr Lombard said: "I'm here at the moment between Bridge street, Lower South Main Street and also Brave Lane. You're probably looking at 15-20 properties. 

"What happened here last night was around 12.30am/1.00am. We've questions to be answered after spending millions of euros on flood defenses to see how badly it got flooded so quickly again is beyond belief."

11,000 homes, farms and businesses are without power this afternoon as Storm Francis passes over the country.

The ESB says crews are mobilised and all power should be restored today.

Jim Molloy, acting director of service for Cork Co Council said it has been a very difficult time for Cork. 

Mr Molloy said: "It's been a very challenging few weeks for Cork, it's a lot of the same crews getting hit between road crews and fire crews that are responding to all this. 

They're doing trojan work. When we have damages the next event just makes things worse. 

"We're just looking for a break in the weather to catch up and help the people. It's been dramatic for everybody."

A destroyed home off Barrack street in Bantry, west Cork following severe flooding. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Cork County Council said the damage was caused after prolonged intense rainfall in an already saturated ground.

The council said that the intense rainfall overwhelmed the system.

Other flooded areas include Dunmanway, Rosscarbery, Connonagh, Clonakilty, Drimoleague, Leap, Ballydehob, Passage West and Youghal.

Skibbereen escaped further flooding after it was badly impacted by Storm Ellen last week.

Road users have been urged to exercise “extreme caution” while work is carried out to clear the affected routes.

In a statement, Cork County Council said: “Road users are asked to be aware of spot flooding, debris and fallen trees on many roads.

“Motorists are advised to drive with caution during heavy rain, not to drive through flood waters and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians. 

"Cork County Council asks all road users to be aware of the danger posed by high winds. 

“Members of the public are advised to stay high, stay dry and stay away from the coast, rivers and lakes. 

With strong gusts and high waves predicted, people are urged to refrain from visiting coastal areas.

“Property owners, residents and visitors are advised to take necessary precautions for this dangerous weather event, to protect property, to avoid unnecessary journeys and stay indoors during the warning periods.

“Following recent weather events, trees have been weakened and remain susceptible to further damage. Landowners are asked to examine trees within their property for damage.

“Those camping or in caravans are asked to seek alternative accommodation indoors, as temporary structures are particularly at risk. 

"Extra precaution should be taken to secure caravans, camping equipment and any other loose items.”

Cork County Council clears roads as 50 homes and businesses damaged in Bantry 

Cork County Council staff haul damaged possessions from the footpath in Bantry, west Cork following severe flooding. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Heavy rain is expected today in Northern Ireland as severe flooding has been reported in parts of the country after Storm Francis hit overnight with hundreds of homes and businesses without power.

Cork County Council have been clearing roads this morning and have warned that several are impassable. 

Heavy rainfall overnight has resulted in flooding in many areas of the county, as our Fire Service & Roads crews work throughout the night to clear flood water, assist properties affected & begin clean up operations

ℹ️ https://t.co/v3ZpGjF8gh pic.twitter.com/i548g4nzNj

— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) August 25, 2020

Parts of Cork including Bantry and Bandon have been badly affected by the second storm in as many weeks.

Flooding also took place at Dunmanway, Rosscarbery, Connonagh, Clonakilty, Drimoleague, Leap, Ballydehob, Passage West and Youghal.

In Mace Head, in Co Galway gusts of 82 km/hr were recorded on Tuesday morning, while 30.8 millimetres of rain fell between 5pm and 11pm in parts of Co Kerry.

Cork County Council's Crisis Management Team convened this morning to review the situation and are monitoring the situation throughout the day.

John Donegan, senior engineer with Cork County Council said that up to 50 homes and businesses in Bantry suffered damage during persistent heavy rain over night.

Local authority crews have been working over night to clear any damage caused when the the local drainage culvert system could not cope, with up to 25mm of rain falling within two hours, he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

New Street, Main Street, Barrack Street and the Square in Bantry were the worst affected with council crews and local fire brigade services working with residents and business owners to clean up debris and pump any remaining flood water.

Crews will remain in place today assessing the culvert system, he said. High tides will not be a concern this week as they were last week, but a yellow wind warning remains in place he pointed out.

Damaged main street in Bantry, west Cork following severe flooding.Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Measures carried out in Skibbereen after flooding during Storm Ellen last week held with no flooding occurring, said Mr Donegan.

“We’ve been very unlucky that the rain has been so intense and localised.” 

Met Éireann Meteorologist Linda Hughes told Morning Ireland that the worst of the storm is over in the southwest, but warned that the northern half of the country will see heavy rainfall until 6pm and heavy, persistent rain in Connacht and Ulster may lead to flash flooding, and further flooding could be expected in Munster as rainfall comes down from high grounds.

Heavy rainfall in August was not unprecedented, said Ms Hughes, as conditions were influenced by the hurricane season.

A status orange rain warning's in place across Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford, with up to 60 millimetres of rain's possible by 5pm this evening.

A similar status yellow alert in place for the rest of the country - while a status yellow wind warning's in effect for the south and east.

Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather said conditions will be bad throughout the day. 

Mr O'Reilly said: "The heaviest of the rain overnight has moved north now. But unfortunately, as Storm Francis pulled through

Winds will increase through this morning and into the afternoon in the southern half of the country with some very strong and damaging gusts.

"Wind speeds up to 110 km/hr are possible especially on coastal areas and along high ground."

Motorists in Ireland are being asked to take extra care on the roads this morning with Storm Francis still hitting Ireland.

The Road Safety Authority's Brian Farrell said anyone setting out early this morning must be on their guard.

Mr Farrell said: "You really do have to have your wits about you, you need to expect the unexpected."

Flooding has also been reported in Kilkenny, Clare and Longford.