'Flooding expected' as Met Éireann issues status orange rain warning for Cork and Kerry

Flooding on Main Street, Midleton, last October. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Met Éireann has issued a status orange rain warning for Cork and Kerry, with "high tides" and "elevated river levels" expected in the coming days.

It comes as a status yellow rain warning for the two counties is currently in place. That warning, in effect since Monday, will remain in place until 12pm on Wednesday. 

The orange warning will remain in place for 24 hours, coming into effect at 12pm on Wednesday.

Met Éireann has warned that while the orange warning is in place, flooding is expected along with wave overtopping and difficult travelling conditions. 

The forecaster has also issued an additional status yellow rain warning for Waterford, which will come into effect at 12pm on Wednesday.

The warning will also remain until 12pm on Thursday, bringing the risk of "wave overtopping" in the affected area.

The forecasted rain has led to Cork City Council warning of flooding in certain parts of the city, with officials urging the public to put precautionary measures in place.

It said floods are most likely on Wednesday morning, due to the high tide occurring at 7.32am.

Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team has placed crews on standby in several locations across the county ahead of the orange warning.

Inlets and gullies are being cleared and pumping arrangements are being put in place at known problem locations as a precautionary measure.

Road users are being asked to take additional care as conditions may be hazardous with surface water flooding likely in many places.

Motorists should avoid driving through flowing or standing water and be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians.

More generally, Tuesday will be mild, with temperatures of 10C to 14C expected, but "rain will become persistent and heavy at times in the southwest and west through the day". 

On Tuesday night, Met Éireann said "a band of more persistent rain will move into the west and northwest early" and "will move southeastwards overnight, becoming lighter and patchier".

Wednesday will be a cooler day with temperature highs of 7C to 11C. While rain impacts the south, most other areas will become dry for a time in the afternoon.

Met Éireann is warning it will be unsettled for the rest of the week, with rain or showers.

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