Warning that 'flooding is a risk across the country'

Met Éireann has issued several yellow-level warnings in which members of the public were told there is a flood risk in 17 counties. File image

Rain-sodden communities have been warned of the potential for further flooding, with heavy rainfall expected throughout the day.

In many areas it will be falling on already saturated ground and rivers close to bursting banks.

Met Éireann has issued several yellow-level warnings in which members of the public were told there is a flood risk in 17 counties.

However, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management said: “Flooding is a risk across the country due to the current conditions."

It said that following recent rainfall, many rivers remain “close to or above bankfull” levels.

“Whether or not a yellow rain warning is in place for a county, all areas will remain at risk of flooding.” They urged the public to remain alert.

“The situation can change very quickly and even small amounts of rain could result in significant impacts in areas where river levels are high, or where the ground is already saturated,” they warned.

Warnings expanded 

On Tuesday morning, Met Éireann issued a yellow warning for rain applying to all of Leinster as well as Cavan, Monaghan, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.

The warning came into force at 11pm last night and remains in place until 11pm tonight.

It is a significant expansion of the advisory which was first announced on Monday.

The forecasting agency said there is a risk of flooding, poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions in these areas, which are also experiencing high river levels.

The inclement conditions will be exacerbated by strong and gusty south-easterly winds in five of these counties.

Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Louth and Dublin will also be under a yellow warning for wind, with Met Éireann also cautioning against wave overtopping amid high tides.

The wind warning also began last night and applies until 1pm today.

The double warning applies to areas in the east of the country which have been severely affected by flooding in recent weeks.

A third yellow warning for rain applies to Donegal between 2am and 2pm on Wednesday, with Met Éireann warning that falls of sleet and snow are possible.

Some wintry precipitation is also possible over high ground in Wicklow.

Agencies ready to respond

Local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will respond in affected areas, and some roads may have to close due to flooding.

Motorists should follow all traffic instructions in place.

“Driving during heavy rain is a significant risk, and motorists should take considerable care when travelling, remaining conscious of the road conditions at all times,” they added.

The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann, local authorities and key stakeholders to monitor the situation and coordinate the appropriate response.

They also warned motorists not to bypass “road closed” signs as “damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk”.

Drivers should not attempt to drive through floodwater but instead turn back and use an alternative route.

The body also warned motorists to expect “surface water, debris and poor visibility” and urged motorists and pedestrians to stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals, as water levels may rise quickly.