Cork County Council Issues Public Advice Ahead of Status Yellow Rainfall Warning
Cork County Council crews on standby for heavy rainfall tonight. SWAT monitoring conditions.
Members of the public are being advised to prepare for heavy rainfall tonight as Met Éireann's Status Yellow Rain Warning takes effect from 21:00 this evening through to 15:00 tomorrow afternoon, with waterlogged soils increasing the risk of flooding across the county.
The warning comes after a period of extensive rainfall that has left soils saturated, significantly increasing the likelihood of surface water runoff. The combination of ongoing wet conditions and fresh rainfall could trigger further flooding in already vulnerable areas.
Coastal communities face additional risks over the coming days. High spring tides, combined with strong winds and surge conditions, may cause wave overtopping. Residents in coastal areas should remain alert to the possibility of coastal flooding, particularly during high tide periods.
Cork County Council's Severe Weather Assessment Team will monitor the situation throughout this evening and overnight, with crews on standby ready to respond to incidents as required.
Heavy rainfall is expected to move up from the south this afternoon and continue into tomorrow, with the highest totals forecast for southern and eastern areas of the county. Given current ground saturation and elevated river levels, additional rainfall could trigger further flooding.
Motorists should expect difficult travelling conditions, with surface water and localised flooding likely on many routes. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and exercise caution, particularly on minor roads and in low-lying areas.
High coastal water levels will impede normal river discharge, increasing flood risk in low-lying coastal and estuarine areas, especially during high tide periods.
The public is strongly advised to monitor local weather forecasts at www.met.ie and check river and coastal levels regularly. Cork County Council's website at corkcoco.ie and social media channels will provide updates on road closures, flooding developments, and community alerts.
