Cork County Council Statement on Storm Bram

Cork County Council has activated its Severe Weather Assessment Team ahead of Storm Bram, which will bring a Status Orange wind warning and difficult travel conditions to Cork on Tuesday morning.

Met Éireann has issued three weather warnings for Cork, with the most severe taking effect tomorrow morning. A Status Orange wind warning will be in place from 07:00 to 15:00 on Tuesday, 9 December, while a Status Yellow wind warning will remain active from 03:00 to 21:00 the same day.

A Status Yellow rain warning is already in effect from 21:00 tonight, Monday 8 December, until 09:00 tomorrow morning.

Storm Bram will bring very strong to gale force southerly winds, with the strongest winds forecast along the coast. The timing coincides with Tuesday morning's commute, with Cork County Council warning residents to allow for disruption and plan extra travel time.

Council crews have been deployed to monitor known flooding hotspots, with pumps being positioned and sandbags made available at several locations across the county. The deployment follows a week of persistent rain that has left many rivers approaching bank full conditions, with heavy rain now falling on already saturated ground.

Possible impacts include fallen trees and branches, localised flooding including wave overtopping, surface water accumulation, debris displacement and hazardous travelling conditions. Coastal areas face particular risks from wave overtopping, storm surge and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying locations during high tide.

The council is advising residents to monitor Met Éireann forecasts closely, as conditions may change quickly. Motorists should expect surface water, debris and poor visibility on Tuesday morning, and should reduce speed and avoid driving through floodwater.

Residents should stay back from riverbanks, streams and canals, as water levels may rise quickly. Children and pets should be kept away from waterways and flooded areas. The Irish Coast Guard advice remains: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Issues such as fallen trees, flooding and road damage should be reported to local area offices during working hours, or via the council's emergency number on 021 4800048, which will remain active out-of-hours during the event.

ESB Networks is warning the public to stay away from fallen live wires and report them immediately to ESB Emergency Services at 1800 372 999. Power restoration updates are available at www.PowerCheck.ie.

Uisce Éireann customers can contact their 24/7 customer care centre at 1800 278 278 with any issues or concerns.