Cork City Council Activates Severe Weather Team as Orange Rain Warning Approaches
No widespread flooding expected but localised issues possible.
Met Éireann has issued an orange level rain warning for Cork, effective from 9pm tomorrow, Saturday 18 October, until 5am on Sunday 19 October, with heavy rain and potential thundery downpours expected to bring challenging conditions across the county.
The national forecaster has warned of the potential for river flooding, particularly in mountainous areas, alongside very difficult travelling conditions during the warning period.
In response to the orange level alert, Cork City Council convened its Severe Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) on Friday evening to coordinate preparations and monitor the situation.
Following consultation with Met Éireann, officials expect west County Cork to experience the greatest impact from the orange level rainfall. However, Cork City itself is still forecast to face a significant yellow level rainfall event, with between 20mm to 40mm of rain expected in six hours or less.
Cork City Council has said it does not anticipate widespread flooding from this weather event and is therefore not issuing a general flooding notice. Localised flooding may occur where debris blocks gullies, but this is expected to be sporadic in nature. No tidal flooding is predicted in the city centre due to this particular system.
The council has advised that travelling conditions from Saturday evening into Sunday morning will be challenging. Road users and motorists should travel with extra care, reduce speed, and remain particularly aware of vulnerable road users during the warning period.
Heavy rain overnight may wash debris onto roads, with surface water ponding likely on certain routes on Sunday morning. Cork City Council has emphasised that additional vigilance will be required for anyone travelling on Sunday morning, even after the warning period expires.
Residents who encounter weather-related issues requiring attention should contact Cork City Council's out-of-hours number at 021-4966512. Anyone who comes across an emergency situation should contact the emergency services on 999 or 112.