Collisions and flooding fears as heavy rain batters Cork and Munster

Multiple road collisions and flooding risks hit Cork as heavy rain spreads across Munster and south Leinster

Standing water has been reported across the county as rainfall intensified. Picture: Larry Cummins

Heavy rain across Cork City caused traffic delays and multiple collisions on Wednesday morning.

According to Met Éireann, heavy rain will dominate conditions in Munster and south Leinster, with coastal flooding expected later this evening around high tide.

Standing water has been reported across the county as rainfall intensified.

In Blarney, gardaí are at the scene of a four-vehicle road traffic collision on the N20. A garda spokesperson said there were no reports of injuries at the time.

Two further multi-vehicle collisions were reported by Traffic Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The first occurred shortly after 7.30am on the N25 westbound between J2 Little Island and J1 (M8/N40) Dunkettle.

A second multi-vehicle collision was reported on the N25 westbound between J5 Midleton and J4 Carrigtwohill at around 7.45am.

According to TII, motorists are facing delays to current journey times.

Drivers have been advised to consider alternative routes or start times and to approach collision scenes with caution.

Weather outlook 

Meanwhile, Wednesday began with heavy rain, which will spread northwards across the country throughout the morning and afternoon.

Rain will persist in parts of the north and east well into the evening before clearing elsewhere, while conditions will turn breezier, with strong winds developing later.

Wednesday evening will be mainly cloudy, with showery rain affecting most areas. The rain will turn heavy at times, particularly in the south.

Mist and fog will also develop, with overnight lows of 1C to 8C. However, Met Éireann said it will be coldest in the southwest where clearer spells develop.

Thursday will start mostly cloudy and misty, with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. The best sunny spells are expected in the southwest.

Rain should clear northwards early on Thursday night, leaving scattered showers and clear spells. However, mist and fog will form, with lows of -2C to 3C, coldest in Munster, according to the national forecaster.

Friday will bring increasing cloud and rain to the south during the morning, followed by clearer spells and showers later in the day.

Light rain or drizzle will dominate Friday night. Showers are likely near the south coast, while dry, clear spells are forecast elsewhere.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Met Éireann said there is some uncertainty. However, current indications point to rain or showers, along with some drier and brighter intervals.

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