Cork County Council Update Ahead of Storm Amy

Cork County Council has issued an urgent warning to motorists as Storm Amy approaches, with Met Éireann forecasting two Status Yellow weather warnings across Thursday and Friday. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to create hazardous driving conditions, with West Cork facing the worst of the weather.

The first warning, a Status Yellow rainfall alert, will be in place from 6am to 8pm tomorrow, Thursday 2nd October. Widespread heavy rain is forecast across the county, leading to localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions. West Cork is expected to bear the brunt of the downpours.

Cork County Council is urging road users to exercise extreme caution, warning that surface water flooding is likely. Motorists are advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to be particularly mindful of cyclists and pedestrians during heavy rain.

The rainfall warning will be followed by a Status Yellow wind warning on Friday 3rd October, coming into force from midday until midnight. Strong to near gale force south-westerly winds are forecast, with gusts creating potentially hazardous conditions for vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles.

The anticipated impacts include difficult travelling conditions, displaced loose objects and debris, and the possibility of fallen trees. Road users should pay particular attention to these risks when venturing out on Friday.

The forecasted conditions may also cause localised power outages. Residents experiencing disruption to their electricity supply should contact ESB Networks at 1800 372 999. Those affected by water supply issues can contact Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.

Cork County Council's emergency number, 021 4800048, will remain operational until 9am on Friday morning for reports of flooding and road damage. After that time, issues can be reported to local Council offices during working hours (9am to 5pm). Contact details are available at www.corkcoco.ie.

In case of emergencies, residents should call 999 or 112 to request the Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Gardaí or Irish Coastguard as appropriate.

Weather updates are available at www.met.ie, whilst Cork County Council will continue to monitor the situation with updates available on www.corkcoco.ie and across the Council's social media channels.