Waterford roads sustained significant damage due to 'persistent and sustained' rainfall

The national forecaster said heavy rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, can lead to flooding and disruption throughout the day

Met Éireann said heavy rainfall on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, could lead to flooding and disruption throughout the day. Flooding on Clontarf Road in Dublin yesterday. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Roads in Co Waterford have sustained significant damage due to "persistent and sustained rainfall", the council has said.

Waterford City and County Council's severe weather management team said ground crews have been deployed to deal with road network issues across the city and county. 

Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council, Gabriel Hynes, said, “While the Status Orange rainfall warning is no longer in effect, the prolonged period of heavy and persistent rain, tidal surges and wave overtopping has resulted in significant damage to our road network. 

"We would ask the public to bear with us as our teams assess and repair the network.

“We are advising motorists to continue to drive with caution as the road network has been compromised by heavy rainfall, river run-off and coastal flooding, and there may be debris, damage, and surface water on some roads

“We would also remind drivers to avoid driving through flowing or standing water, expect the unexpected and be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists," Mr Hynes added. 

Yellow and orange warnings, which were in place across the country, had since been lifted. However, Friday morning saw significant disruption to rail services and people who were living in affected areas were asked, if possible, to work from home 

Meteorologist Mark Bowe said it is starting to ease after a very wet night. 

He added that the new end times for the rain warnings signify an end to persistent and heavy rain. However, river and localised flooding will persist a little while after the warnings end. 

"Please do take care, especially on the roads this morning," Mr Bowe told RTÉ's Morning Ireland. 

The National Emergency Coordination Group are urging those living in Louth, Wicklow and Waterford to work from home on Friday if possible. 

In Dublin, a number of DART services have been suspended due to the weather conditions and flooding; bus transfers are currently available. 

DART and Northern Commuter are suspended between Malahide and Howth Junction due to a mechanical issue. 

Additionally, the Dublin to Rosslare train line is closed between Greystones and Kilcoole due to debris on the line. It is also closed between Enniscorthy and Wexford due to flooding.