'Significant flooding' in parts of Cork City as jazz revellers brave the weather
Areas surrounding the river are already underwater including Morrison's Island, South Terrace, Father Matthew Quay and Union Quay. Picture: Larry Cummins
Parts of Cork City centre have begun flooding as super spring tides have caused the River Lee to overflow onto the low-lying quays and onto the main streets with more than 100,000 people expected in Cork for the Jazz Festival.
Areas surrounding the river are already underwater including Morrison's Island, South Terrace, Father Matthew Quay and Union Quay.
The flood waters have also reached South Mall and have flowed in as far as Crane Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.
Floods creeping into other parts of city centre - Crane Lane and Oliver Plunkett street! pic.twitter.com/gl6uZLagvU
— Jack White (@JackWhiteJ) October 28, 2023
Cork city flooding: water up to a foot deep on Morrisons Quay, cars and people stranded all along South Mall to as far as Trinity Bridge pic.twitter.com/JMjcgYoMg3
— Emer (@emerwalshh) October 28, 2023
Lavitts Quay on the other side of the city is experiencing some flooding as well with gardaí having closed one lane of the road to traffic.
⚠️ One lane westbound only on Lavitts Quay ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/z41K5V7oCr
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) October 28, 2023
Meanwhile, Gardaí in Bandon have reported the Kinsale to Garrethstown road is impassable due to flooding.
People in the general Kinsale area are being urged to remain cautious as high tide approaches with heavy flooding in the area.
Lough Hyne in West Cork also remains flooded.
Jim Kennedy of Atlantic Sea Kayaking posted pictures of the rising flood waters on social media this afternoon.
Waterford train station is closed due to flooding on the line. Irish Rail says bus transfers are in place and will operate between Kilkenny and Waterford. They say the closure will have "knock-on" delays to the Waterford to Heuston services.
Motorists in Co Wexford are being advised to avoid using their cars on roads around Wexford Town and the N25 between Larkin's Cross and the Maldron Roundabout.
Earlier road users travelling into the city centre for the Jazz Festival were advised to "plan and give extra time to complete their journeys" as several roads were closed from this evening in anticipation of the tidal flooding.
Cork City Council said "several road closures and lane restrictions will be necessary" and "diversions will be put in place to ensure traffic can still circulate".
Due to these super spring tides, flooding is expected along low-lying quays during peak high tide times over the course of the weekend.
Steady flow of water on South Mall this evening #corkfloods pic.twitter.com/FrUD7sQj7K
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) October 28, 2023
In a statement, a spokesperson for the council said: "Any restrictions will be eased as appropriate. Road users are asked to plan their journeys and to travel with caution and follow diversional signage."
Wandesford Quay and Sharman Crawford St will be closed from 5pm on Saturday evening and will reopen when the possible tidal flooding subsides.
Other streets affected include South Terrace, South Mall, Oliver Plunkett St, Winthrop St, Union Quay, Morrisons’ Island, Wandesford Quay, and Lavitt’s Quay.
"The situation will continue to be monitored and further advice will be issued tomorrow morning. We will be posting regular updates to our Twitter (@corkcitycouncil) account as well as the City Council’s website (www.corkcity.ie)," the statement concluded.
Another evening of flooding on South Terrace and Union Quay. #CorkFlooding. pic.twitter.com/TIWU8sycn5
— John Roycroft (@torban69) October 28, 2023
Elsewhere, there is an increased risk of flooding on the east coast of the country as well this evening.
Two status yellow rain warnings will come into effect later — one for Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Dublin, which kicks in at 5pm — and one for Louth and Meath which begins at 8pm.
They will remain in place until 4am and 6am respectively on Sunday.
Possible impacts may include flooding, difficult travel conditions and, disruption to outdoor events as the forecaster warns of "heavy or thundery rain combined with saturated ground conditions."
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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