Flood warnings for Cork city and Bantry as yellow rain warning comes into effect

Met Éireann is warning of very heavy rain at times with significant risks of local flooding in the southwest and west. Pixture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

A status yellow rainfall warning is currently in place for all of Ireland.

Met Éireann is warning of very heavy rain at times today and tonight, with significant risks of local flooding in the southwest and west.

There is an ongoing risk of river and surface flooding, especially in areas of county Cork and elsewhere Munster.  

The forecaster had initially issued a warning for Munster, Connacht, Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan, but it has since upgraded it to a national one.

The Office of Public Works has advised that there will be a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides approaching Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) in all coastal areas, commencing this afternoon and continuingg until tomorrow.

Storm surge levels are relatively low in all coastal areas at present, but they are predicted to significantly increase in Cork Harbour (0.55m) and in Bantry Bay (0.50m).

High tides, combined with strong winds and predicted storm surge levels, give an elevated risk of coastal flooding, in particular in areas such as Bantry.

Property owners are advised to take precautions in low lying areas or areas susceptible to flooding.

Flood Warning issued by Cork County Council as a period of very high astronomical Spring Tides approaching Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) in all coastal areas. https://t.co/YoiZVNwO5M

— Cork Safety Alerts (@CorkSafetyAlert) October 19, 2020

Nationally, Met Éireann says conditions will be blustery with heavy outbreaks of rain moving northwards across the country. 

Spot flooding is also likely in a number of areas.

Met Éireann said: "While some areas will remain below warning levels, there is a risk of localised spot flooding with a heightened risk of flash flooding in mountainous regions where accumulations are expected to be highest.

This warning will be reviewed and may be elevated in further updates to reflect the evolving situation.

The rain is expected to continue into the night, when it will also become quite windy in southern coastal counties.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road-users to take caution when driving, as conditions are likely to be challenging. 

⚠ Yellow

📍Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford

🌬Very windy Tuesday. SE winds, veering SW will reach mean speeds of 50-65km/h, gusting up to 100km/h. Exceptionally high tides combined with strong onshore winds gives an elevated risk of coastal flooding.

📆Tues 20 5am-3pm pic.twitter.com/nFtj5nfyb9

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) October 19, 2020

The weather warnings came into effect at 8am this morning, and will remain in place until 7pm tomorrow.