Flood alert for southern counties as Cork City property owners urged to get sandbags

Nationally, Met Éireann says tonight will be wet all around the country, with rain in the south and southwest spreading northeastwards as the night progresses. Picture: Larry Cummins

West Cork has already seen thunderstorms and heavy rainfall this evening, as a yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for Cork and Kerry until midnight tomorrow.

There have been reports of thunder and lightning in Cork city too, which hasn’t seen as much rainfall so far, although it is expected to intensify overnight and into tomorrow morning.

Video of intense lightning storm captured by Aisling Murphy in Rosscarbery County Cork just now! pic.twitter.com/6AnVLCXuWP

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) October 18, 2022

Flood alert in place for Cork city and county

Cork City Council has urged business and property owners to get sandbags as a matter of urgency as a flood alert has been issued for the entire city in advance of heavy rainfall due tonight and tomorrow. 

This comes as a status orange rain warning has been issued for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, with torrential downpours likely over the next 36 hours or so.

The council's Flood Assessment Team has said that the necessary preparations are being made for a "rainfall flooding event." 

Property owners across the city are being urged to purchase sandbags or gelbags from hardware shops or builder's providers, or else collect them from the council. 

"There is a limited stock of sandbags and gelbags available for collection by the public and businesses which will distributed at a limited number per person," a council spokesperson has advised.

The council-provided sandbags will be available for collection at the Tramore Valley Park on the South Link Rd until 8pm today, and once again tomorrow.

"While availability is limited, Cork City Council will seek to fulfill all necessary requests," the city council has stated.

Cork County Council is also urging road users to use "extreme caution" as driving conditions may be hazardous this evening. 

"Surface flooding is possible as well as fallen trees and branches. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise caution during heavy rain. Motorists are also asked to be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians," a council spokesperson said. 

The county council's Severe Weather Assessment Team also convened this afternoon to assess preparations, as crews were deployed to clear drains in areas that are more likely to flood. 

Pumps have been deployed and are on standby. 

In Fermoy, the low level flood gate has been closed at Brian Boru square car park

⚠️Status Orange Weather Warning issued⚠️

Affected Regions: Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow

Heavy rain on Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night

Expected Onset: Tuesday 18/10 at 10pm

Please see⬇️https://t.co/ZsjQsKDvt6https://t.co/y935BNm4NJ pic.twitter.com/SDWRbbAlQj

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 18, 2022

The Met Éireann warning comes into effect from 10pm on Tuesday, and will last until midnight on Thursday, October 20.

The council has said that there is a "strong possibility of flooding in locations across the city with short duration thundery rain bursts".

During this time period, the forecaster also said there will be "heavy and persistent" showers in the south and southwest of the country, with localised flooding and traffic disruption likely.

The warning comes just days after heavy showers during a yellow weather warning caused widespread flooding across Cork city.

According to Cork City Council, approximately 55m of rain fell on the city over a period of a few hours on Sunday — four times the amount that had initially been forecast. 

The downpours were so severe that drainage systems across the city and surrounding areas became overwhelmed.

Cork County Council is also urging road users to use "extreme caution" as driving conditions may be hazardous this evening. 

Significant flooding was reported in Blackpool, Turner's Cross, and along the North Mall. Major traffic build-ups were seen along the South Link Road, the Commons Road, the Lough and Monahan Road.

There were also tailbacks from the Kinsale Road flyover to the Mahon turn-off.

An emergency fund will be opened to help people affected by Sunday's flash floods. It will be administered by the Irish Red Cross and is expected to be approved by the Cabinet next week.

Similar schemes in the past have made up to €20,000 available to affected individuals.

National picture

Nationally, Met Éireann said Tuesday night will be wet all around the country, with rain in the south and southwest spreading northeastwards as the night progresses. Lowest temperatures of 7C to 11C are expected.

Wednesday morning will also start off wet, with further heavy rain likely to cause disruption in flood-prone areas.

By Thursday afternoon, rain will again spread from the south and southwest, though it will persist in Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. Strong and gusty easterly winds and temperatures of 11C to 15C are also predicted for tomorrow.