Met Éireann has issued a warning highlighting the potential for flooding, hazardous driving conditions, and interruptions to travel across Ireland’s southern region for the majority of Sunday. A Status Orange weather alert is currently in effect for two of the southern counties, with three others to be put under a similar warning from Sunday afternoon onwards. Additionally, weather warnings have been dispatched to a total of eleven counties on the back of an anticipated heavy rainfall in Munster and much of Leinster.
Cork and Waterford have received a Status Orange warning, which is the Met Éireann’s penultimate level of alert, from 8am to 6pm. They expect potent and thunderous downpours. For Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, a status yellow rain warning is in effect till 8pm, while a distinct yellow rain warning has been extended to Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Wicklow until midnight.
According to the meteorologists, this weather pattern could lead to isolated flooding, challenging travel circumstances, and falling tree branches across specific locations. In Cork City Centre, business operators and homeowners are preparing for potential floods amidst intense rainfall and high winds, with the high tide in the river Lee today posing the most significant risk of overflowing onto city roads.
In Cork, heavy rainfall of up to 50mm over a 24 hour span have raised concerns of localized flooding in lower-lying regions around the 4:30pm high tide on the River Lee. In response, Cork City Council has recommended pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to take extra caution, urging city residents to secure movable objects like wheelie bins and outdoor furniture to minimise the hazards of high winds.
As of 11am, no major flooding incidents had been reported in Cork City. Meanwhile, Cork county, which includes Midleton — a town severely affected by flooding during Storm Babet in October 2023 — seems to have avoided major floods this time, although there have been reports of fallen trees across the county.
Waterford City and County Council anticipates a rise in surface water levels across the county this Sunday due to significant rainfall expected to last a period of six to twelve hours. Possible consequences may consist of isolated flooding incidents stemming from rapid-responding small water bodies, drains, channels, as well as an excess of overland flow. Ground teams are prepared and ready to manage potential situations including nuisances like local flooding, obstructions in drains, or overflowing gullies.
The council has advised residents to be careful, follow public safety guidelines and steer clear of unnecessary journeys as there could be perilous driving conditions due to the forecasted flooding on the road surfaces. The Road Safety Authority has also urged anyone intending to travel over Sunday and Monday to be vigilant, especially those in areas under orange alerts- they are advised to review local weather and traffic conditions before setting off.
Maritime warnings have been declared for all Irish shores until the early hours of Monday, and a small craft advisory is also in place. All coasts are on alert for southeast gales to increase up to force 8 or 9 until midnight on Sunday due to marine gale warnings. Met Éireann forecasts a wet and windy day nationwide with the rain condition likely to turn severe, particularly in the south and southeast, causing potential floods. A respite can be expected on Sunday when the rain will be light and sporadic before further rain incidents occur in the west and northwest regions.
Most of Monday is expected to be under a cloud cover with sporadic bouts of rain and drizzle in the morning. As the day progresses, brighter skies along with showers from the southwest are expected. It is advised to be prepared as these showers may be heavy.