Met Éireann Brings Forward Status Orange Rain Warning for Cork
Heavy rain, possible flooding and very difficult driving conditions expected until 05:00 Sunday.
Met Éireann has brought forward its Status Orange rain warning, now beginning at 20:00 this evening, with both local authorities urging extreme caution on the roads.
The national forecaster reissued the orange-level rain warning at 09:03 this morning, Saturday 18th October, moving the start time forward from 21:00 to 20:00. The warning will remain in effect until 05:00 tomorrow morning, Sunday 19th October, and now covers both Cork and Waterford.
Met Éireann has warned of heavy rain and possible thundery downpours, with potential for river flooding, particularly in mountainous areas, and very difficult travelling conditions across the region. A deep Atlantic low pressure system is expected to bring rainfall totals of 25 to 40mm within a six-hour period, with the heaviest bursts occurring between 20:00 and 03:00.
The Status Yellow rain warning, which came into effect at 17:00 this evening, has been extended to cover Cork, Kerry and Waterford, and will also remain valid until 05:00 on Sunday morning.
Both Cork City Council and Cork County Council convened meetings of their Severe Weather Assessment Teams on Friday evening in response to the original warning. Following consultation with Met Éireann, local authorities expect the heaviest rainfall to impact west County Cork, though Cork City is still forecast to experience significant yellow-level rainfall.
Cork City Council advises that whilst widespread flooding is not expected in the city, localised flooding may occur where debris blocks gullies. No tidal flooding in the city centre is predicted. The council confirmed that travelling conditions from Saturday evening into Sunday morning will be challenging, with possible surface water ponding and debris on roads continuing into Sunday morning despite the warning period ending at 05:00.
Cork County Council deployed inspection crews on Friday afternoon to check known risk locations across the county. Pumping arrangements will be in place at problem locations, and crews will continue monitoring throughout the weekend.
Motorists are being strongly advised to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to exercise particular caution around vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians. Peak wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h are forecast inland, with exposed coastal areas potentially experiencing gusts exceeding 110 km/h.
Weather charts indicate visibility will be very poor during the heaviest rain and near zero on higher ground. Temperatures will remain mild overnight, holding between 11°C and 13°C.
The weather is expected to improve significantly by Sunday morning as the low pressure system clears north-eastwards. However, a secondary wave approaching from the south-west may bring renewed rain to Munster during Sunday evening, with further showers possible overnight into Monday.
Those experiencing weather-related issues should contact Cork City Council on 021 4966512 or Cork County Council on 021 4800048. In emergency situations, call 999 or 112. Water supply disruptions should be reported to Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278.
With the orange warning now starting at 20:00 this evening, Cork residents are advised to complete any essential travel before 8pm, with the worst conditions expected to persist until the early hours of Sunday morning.