Storm Babet: Status orange rain warning for Cork, Kerry, and Waterford in effect
Cork, Kerry and Waterford are currently under an orange weather warning, which could lead to possible wave overtopping at high tide, travel disruption, localised flooding and poor visibility
Heavy rain and "blustery" winds are set to hit the country as Storm Babet makes landfall on Tuesday.
Cork, Kerry and Waterford are currently under a status orange rain warning, which could lead to possible wave overtopping at high tide, dangerous road conditions, localised flooding and poor visibility.
The alert came into effect at 6am on Tuesday and will remain in place until 1pm on Wednesday.
Babet has been named by the UK Met Office and is the second named storm of the season.
Meanwhile, a status yellow rain warning is currently in place for Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and Connacht.
In an update on Tuesday morning, Met Éireann says localised flooding, reduced visibility and dangerous road conditions are to be expected.
The warning will stay in place until 6pm on Wednesday evening.
A third warning, a status yellow rain warning is currently in place for Leinster, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan.
Met Éireann has said that spells of heavy rain and strong and gusty east-to-southeast winds are to be expected.
It will stay in place until 8pm on Wednesday.
Met Éireann meteorologist Brandon Creagh said: “A series of warm fronts, ahead of a low-pressure system are approaching the country, bringing heavy and persistent rain to the south of the country, and extend northwards through Tuesday into Wednesday with localised flooding likely.
"Along with the rain, southeasterly winds will strengthen, reaching gale force along southern and eastern coasts, bringing the possibility of wave overtopping at high tide on Tuesday evening. Driving conditions will be difficult due to the combined effects of heavy rain, strong winds and poor visibility."
Meanwhile, in the North, a status yellow rain warning will come into place for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry at 2pm on Wednesday.
"Storm Babet will bring some heavy rain to Northern Ireland from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning, with possible disruption," the UK Met Office said.
The alert will remain in place until 10am on Thursday.
In Cork City, council crews have warned of "persistent" rainfall which is likely to cause flooding in certain areas of the city.
Up to 30mm of rain is expected to fall for the next 24 hours, with a further 20mm predicted up to midday on Wednesday.
The council says there is also a risk of river flooding in the city centre at high tide and in the western half of the city. Flooding is also forecast along the River Lee from Inniscarra to the Lee Fields, the Curraheen River, and the Bride.
High tide is expected at 7.50pm later on Tuesday night.
Localised flooding is also expected during high tide along low-lying city centre quays including:
- Morrisons Island
- Wandesford Quay
- Union Quay
- Lavitts Quay
In Cork county, flood barriers have been erected in Mallow and Fermoy with crews on standby in several known risk locations across the county. Sandbags and pumping arrangements will also be in place in known problem locations.
The council have also said that "forecasted conditions may give rise to localised power outages".
In Co Waterford, The Prom in Tramore will be closing at 4pm on Tuesday afternoon.
In addition to this, Davitt's Quay Carpark, The Look Out, Castle Street Carpark and The Pond in Dungarvan will also be closed from 4pm on Tuesday until Wednesday morning as a "precautionary measure."
Waterford City and County Council is advising the public to "ensure no cars are left in these car parks overnight as they are at risk of coastal flooding."
Fergus Galvin, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council has urged the public to exercise caution.
“With the possibility of blustery winds and heavy rainfall, driving conditions will be difficult, as there is the risk of localised flooding, fallen branches and poor visibility, all of which will make journeys hazardous," Mr Galvin said.
The RSA is urging motorists to take particular care if driving on Tuesday and Wednesday.
It says motorists should avoid driving through flowing or standing water and should slow down and allow for greater braking distance.
Motorists should drive slowly with their foot on the brake pedal for a short distance to dry the vehicle's brakes after travelling through water.
In poor weather conditions, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists should make sure they remain visible to other road users by using lights or wearing reflective clothing or gear at all times.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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