Cork City's Dragon of Shandon roars back to life, despite weather warning
The Dragon of Shandon parade returned to the streets of Cork on Monday night. Picture: Eddie O'Hare .
Cork City's Dragon of Shandon parade roared back to life this evening, despite less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Thousands lines the city streets for a glimpse of this year's procession - the first for three years.
More than 300 participants from more than 20 community groups took part in the event, which kicked off in Shandon at around 7pm.
From there, it moved down North Main Street and on to Castle Street, before finishing on Cornmarket Street.
A major highlight in Cork Community Art Link’s calendar, the parade is the result of an outreach and community engagement programme.
Earlier, Cork City Council and Cork County Council responded to a number of reports of spot flooding amid intense rainfall this afternoon.
A Status Orange rain warning, issued for counties Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny lifted at 5pm, though a Status Yellow warning is now in place for the entire country until midnight tonight.
In Cork City, localised flooding was reported at the bottom of Silversprings slip road junction, as well as on Commons Road, Tramore Road and along Pope's Quay.
The Council's Flood Assessment Team (FAT) met on Monday morning and a council spokesperson said emergency crews will remain on standby for the rest of the evening.
"Drainage crews have undertaken their regular maintenance schedule on the city's gullies, but additional crews are being deployed," the spokesperson said.
Cork County Council meanwhile have warned of disruption due to the flooding, with the Severe Weather Assessment Team having convened this morning to assess preparations with crews deployed clear drains in areas prone to flooding.
"Driving may be hazardous, with surface flooding possible or fallen trees and branches," the Council said.
They advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water & exercise caution during heavy rain, and to be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.
The flood gate at Brian Boru Square in Fermoy is being closed, while in Mallow, barriers to Mode 2 are being erected.
"Pumps have been deployed and are on standby at known flooding locations," said a spokesperson.
There were also reports that flooding has rendered the R627 by Midleton Rugby Club impassable, with motorists advised to use a different route.
A Met Éireann Status Orange Rainfall Warning is in effect across Cork County until 5.00pm today followed by a Status Yellow Rainfall Warning in effect until Midnight tonight.
— Cork County Council (@Corkcoco) October 31, 2022
Intense rain this afternoon will lead to some flooding and disruption. pic.twitter.com/hP945ZG13q
According to Met Éireann, widespread and heavy showers are expected across the country during Halloween night, leading to "localised flooding and some disruption.
There is also the possibility of showers becoming thundery at times, particularly in the south and southeast.
Later tonight, the forecaster says conditions will be misty in parts "with heavy rain in eastern counties clearing into the Irish Sea."
"Scattered showers will follow overnight along with freshening southerly winds. Colder than recent nights with lowest temperatures of 4 and 8 degrees."
Tuesday is expected to be blustery with sunny spells and further scattered heavy showers, and a chance of hail.
Heavy & possibly thundery outbreaks of rain will occur today with some intense falls across the S especially ☔️⛈️ Some flooding & disruption is likely⚠️
— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 31, 2022
Becoming drier in western areas later but turning misty too 🌫️
🌡️Highs of 11 to 16°C, with mostly moderate variable breezes. pic.twitter.com/pilp9MeVFI
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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