AI flood prediction model designed in Ireland could help communities like Midleton

The model forms part of a larger project which aims to develop an Earth Observations services sector in Ireland

Flooding in Midleton during Storm Babet. Picture: Cork County Council

A new Irish-designed artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of accurately predicting the extent of future floods could be used by local authorities and communities such as Midleton to take emergency damage limitation measures.

The project is led by researchers at CeADAR, Ireland’s centre for applied AI in University College Dublin (UCD), who said it could soon be used to warn communities ahead of heavy rain and give local authorities time to limit damage to homes and businesses, evacuate residents, and protect livestock.