Cork City Council Activates Severe Weather Plan Ahead of Storm Austen

Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has met to discuss the Severe Weather Warning associated with Storm Austen. The Council has activated its Severe Weather Plan in preparation for the potential impacts.

Met Éireann has issued a Yellow Rain and Wind Warning for Cork, which takes effect at 19:00 on Thursday, 22 October 2026 and remains in place until 10:00am on Friday, 23 October 2026. An Orange Rain Warning also takes effect at 22:00 on Thursday, 22 October 2026 and remains in place until 5:00am on Friday, 23 October 2026.

Heavy rainfall and very strong winds are forecast overnight Thursday night into Friday morning. This may result in debris, leaves and water/localised flooding on roads on Friday morning. Road users are asked to leave additional time for their journeys to work, school and college on Friday and to expect the unexpected.

Cork City Council is advising the public not to make unnecessary journeys during the period of the Orange Warning. If you must travel, exercise caution, as conditions may be hazardous and debris may be present on roads. Road users should also be conscious of pedestrians and cyclists.

The Council also advises the public to take care, as structural damage may have been caused to buildings. People are asked to stay away from exposed quays, and from any fallen electricity lines or trees.

Members of the public are advised to charge mobile devices and ensure they have a working torch to hand. Loose outdoor items, such as temporary structures, parasols and trampolines, should be secured, along with construction sites, including plant, materials and fencing.

The public is asked to continue to monitor Met Éireann and Cork City Council’s social media channels and website for updates.

Fallen trees, debris on the road or localised flooding can be reported to Cork City Council’s Customer Service Unit (CSU), which operates 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, on 021-4924000. The City Council’s out-of-hours service can be contacted on 021 496 6512 between 5:00pm and 9:00am.

Emergency Services can be contacted by dialling 112 or 999 to report an emergency situation. ESB Networks’ 24-hour emergency numbers are 1800 372 999 or 021 238 2410.

Cork City Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team and operational crews will continue to monitor the situation. Further weather updates regarding the weekend will issue on Thursday afternoon.