Storm Babet: 'Blind luck that we avoided a worse catastrophe' in Midleton

The study, carried out by leading international climate scientists, found that the chances of such heavy rainfall occurring are now 120% more likely

Flooding in Midleton, Co Cork caused by Storm Babet. Picture: Damien Rytel

The extreme rainfall and resultant flooding which devastated Midleton and surrounding areas during Storm Babet last October was made more than twice as likely due to global warming, a new study has found.

The study, carried out by leading international climate scientists found that, when comparing climate conditions from pre-industrial times to those of today, the chances of such heavy rainfall occurring are now 120% more likely.