'It's looking better than it was': Cork may escape worst of Storm Ciarán

However, authorities urge people to batten down the hatches in preparation

Local authorities around the country are bracing for local flooding and hazardous conditions in places as Storm Ciarán passes through the region on Wednesday and Thursday. Picture: David Creedon

Cork should escape the worst of Storm Ciarán just weeks after its predecessor Babet wreaked havoc, but authorities are taking no chances and urging people to batten down the hatches in preparation.

Current modelling, which earlier had brought an ominous sense of déjà vu to communities in East Cork and West Waterford following the pummeling they took from Storm Babet, has now been updated to suggest that while there will be significant winds and rainfall, the very worst of it should pass by out at sea.