Council Statement: Cork City Faces Orange Wind Warning and Tidal Flooding Risk
Road closures expected. They are advising to avoid the city centre until 9:30am.
Cork City Council is warning residents to avoid unnecessary travel tomorrow morning as Storm Bram brings orange-level winds and significant rainfall, combined with high tide flooding on city centre quays between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Met Éireann has issued both orange and yellow wind warnings for Cork City for tomorrow, Tuesday 9 December.
The yellow wind warning covers strong winds from 06:00 tomorrow morning until 21:00 tomorrow evening. More critically, an orange wind warning predicts storm force winds from 07:00 tomorrow morning until 15:00 tomorrow afternoon.
Met Éireann is also warning of significant rainfall from 21:00 tonight (Monday 8 December) until 09:00 tomorrow morning, meaning tomorrow morning will see both strong, gusty winds and heavy rain occurring simultaneously.
Cork City Council's Severe Weather Assessment and Flood Assessment Teams met this afternoon and have been engaging with Met Éireann over the past 24 hours to assess Storm Bram's potential impact on the city.
The Council's assessment teams are continuing to monitor the situation closely, describing it as a very dynamic weather system with a high degree of uncertainty regarding its impact.
Tidal Flooding Expected on City Quays
The orange wind warning, combined with the storm system, is likely to generate a high level of storm surge at tomorrow morning's high tide. Combined with the forecasted heavy rainfall and significant winds, Cork City Council is warning of flooding on low-lying quays at high tide tomorrow morning.
High tide is predicted for 08:30 tomorrow morning (Tuesday 9 December), with a risk of tidal flooding on low-lying quays in the city centre between 08:00 and 09:00.
Road closures and traffic restrictions on the city quays will be necessary during this period, including Wandesford Quay, Lavitt's Quay and South Terrace. Diversions will be put in place to ensure traffic can still circulate, but delays are expected and journeys may take longer than normal.
Restrictions will be introduced from early morning to reduce the impact of traffic moving through standing water and will be eased as quickly as possible.
If you must travel tomorrow morning, Cork City Council advises avoiding the city centre until after 09:30.
Areas at Risk of Flooding
Flooding is likely in low-lying areas of the city centre, particularly on Morrison's Quay, Father Mathew Quay, Father Mathew Street, Union Quay, Trinity Bridge, South Terrace, Rutland Street, Sawmill Street, Lavitt's Quay, Kyrl's Street, Kyrl's Quay, Crosses' Green, Sharman Crawford Street and Wandesford Quay.
Motorists are advised not to park in any of these areas before 09:30 tomorrow morning.
Householders and businesses who are normally affected by low-level tidal flooding should take precautionary measures to protect property.
Council Advice to the Public
Due to the forecasted heavy rainfall and orange wind warnings, Cork City Council is advising:
Don't make any unnecessary journeys. If you must travel, take care when driving as conditions will be hazardous. Stay away from any fallen electricity lines or trees. Take measures to secure any loose outdoor items such as temporary structures, Christmas decorations and trampolines. Continue to monitor Met Éireann and Cork City Council social media and websites for updates.
Cork City Council will post regular updates to their social media accounts and website at www.corkcity.ie.
The City Council's Customer Service Unit will operate from 09:00 tomorrow morning and can be contacted on 021-4924000. The Council's out of hours contact number (021-4966512) will be available overnight for reporting non-emergency matters such as blocked gullies or trees down in public parks.
All emergency situations should be reported directly to the emergency services on 999 or 112.