Meteorologists Commentary: Atlantic Storm System Targets Ireland

Cork and the rest of Ireland are bracing for a spell of severe weather from Monday night through Tuesday, with Met Éireann issuing Status Yellow warnings for wind and rainfall as a rapidly deepening Atlantic low-pressure system approaches the country.

The national forecaster is closely monitoring the developing Atlantic system, which has the potential to bring very strong winds, high coastal water levels, and periods of heavy rainfall to Ireland from late Monday night, 8th December, through Tuesday, 9th December.

After a week of persistent rain across the country, soils are already highly saturated and many rivers, including those across Cork, are approaching bank-full conditions. Any additional rainfall is likely to result in surface and river flooding on Tuesday and possibly during the following days.

Meteorologist Matthew Martin said:

"It's looking increasingly likely that Ireland will experience some very inclement weather from Monday night and through Tuesday. A low-pressure system in the Atlantic is going to deepen fairly rapidly as it approaches the country on Monday night. Initially there will be a spell of heavy rain before a swathe of very strong winds develop. There remains a good deal of uncertainty in the track and intensity of the system, but it has the potential to be an impactful event. Given its evolving nature, we have issued a yellow wind warning for the entire country which will be updated when certainty increases, as well as yellow rainfall warnings for certain areas, and we encourage everyone to check in regularly with Met Éireann's forecasts and warnings."

Flooding Concerns

Flooding impacts are expected as the rain will fall on already saturated ground. The timing is particularly concerning as Ireland is in a period of high astronomical tides, which will coincide with the strong, potentially onshore winds, making coastal flooding likely.

The high tides will prevent rivers from discharging to the sea, significantly increasing the risk of upstream flooding along low-lying areas. People in Cork, south Kerry, south Tipperary, and Waterford should pay particular attention, as rivers in these areas are already approaching bank-full conditions.

Met Éireann echoes the well-known advice of the Irish Coast Guard: "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry."

Current Warnings

A Status Yellow rain warning has been issued across southern counties, with heavy rain expected to fall on already saturated ground. Expected impacts throughout Tuesday include surface and river flooding, difficult travel conditions, and potential disruption to outdoor events.

A Status Yellow wind warning covers the entire country for all day Tuesday, due to very strong and gusty southerly winds and the possibility of gales near coastal areas.

Expected impacts include difficult travel conditions due to surface water, reduced visibility, and strong winds. Flooding is likely in low-lying coastal areas, particularly during high tide times. High tide on western and southern coasts, including Cork, is early Tuesday morning between 7am and 9am.

Wave overtopping is also possible, with large waves potentially breaching sea walls or coastal barriers, posing risks to people near shorelines and coastal infrastructure in exposed locations.

Safety Advice

Met Éireann advises the public to stay up to date with forecasts and warnings through met.ie, the Met Éireann app, or their social media channels. People should secure loose outdoor items ahead of strengthening winds and avoid coastal areas during the period.

Motorists should beware of fallen trees or other debris and allow extra time for journeys. Do not attempt to walk, cycle, or drive through flooded areas, as the depth of water can be deceiving. As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet, and 300mm can move most cars off the road.

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public to stay away from fallen cables and report such cases immediately by calling 1800 372 999. Power restoration times can be monitored on powercheck.ie.

The warnings are likely to be updated as certainty increases. The system has not yet fully developed, and small shifts in its path could influence peak wind gusts, timing of strongest winds, and the extent of coastal impacts.