Meteorologists Commentary: Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risk for Cork Tomorrow

Met Éireann has issued a yellow rainfall warning for Cork, with heavy and persistent rain expected from 09:00 tomorrow, Friday 14th November, until 09:00 Saturday 15th November. The rain will fall on already saturated ground and swollen rivers following this week's persistent rainfall across Munster. Cork is currently at High flood risk according to Met Éireann's Flood Advisory.

Cork Under Yellow Warning with High Flood Risk

Cork's yellow rain warning covers the entire county and also includes Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. The warning cites heavy and persistent rain falling on saturated ground, with possible impacts including flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility.

Met Éireann's Flood Advisory, issued at 15:40 today and valid until Sunday 16th November, warns of a heightened risk of river flooding across Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary during Friday through Saturday due to intense and persistent rainfall. Cork is designated at High flood risk level, meaning rivers are expected to be out of bank flooding and exceeding known flood levels.

While Cork is under a yellow rain warning, Met Éireann has issued orange rain warnings for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow, where more significant rainfall accumulations are expected, particularly on high ground and exposed areas.

Significant Rainfall Expected

Maximum catchment-average accumulations of 30 to 50 mm in 24 hours are expected widely across Munster on Friday and Saturday, with up to 60 mm possible in upland and mountainous areas. Catchments in southern and eastern regions, particularly those in upland terrain, are likely to respond rapidly to this rainfall, increasing the potential for rivers to rise out of bank and for flooding in flood-prone areas.

Given the already elevated soil moisture and high river baseflows, even moderate additional rainfall may exacerbate existing flooding and prolong elevated river levels. Close monitoring of river gauges and local conditions is strongly advised, especially in areas where ground saturation and drainage capacity are limited.

Weather Front Linked to Storm Claudia

A weather front associated with Storm Claudia, named earlier this week by the Spanish meteorological service, is forecast to travel north over southern and eastern parts of Ireland. The system will bring prolonged heavy rainfall to Cork and other parts of Munster and Leinster, with the rain expected to 'pack up' against high ground in eastern coastal areas due to northeasterly winds.

Meteorologist Liz Walsh, from Met Éireann, said:

"It's going to rain a lot over parts of Leinster and Munster tomorrow (Friday) while it'll stay largely dry for many parts of Connacht and Ulster. This rain is brought to us by a weather front derived from Storm Claudia, named earlier in the week by the Spanish met service, and it will fall on already saturated ground and swollen rivers, intensifying the likelihood of significant flooding across Leinster and Munster."

She explained the compound effects of the weather system:

"Coupled with the rain, the northeasterly direction of the wind is expected to bring compound impacts in eastern coastal counties, allowing the rain to essentially 'pack up' against the high ground in these counties."

Referring to the orange warnings issued for parts of Leinster, Walsh added:

"Some large accumulations of rain are expected and that's why we have issued an orange rain warning. We ask people to be cautious, avoid unnecessary travel as it can be hazardous and with poor visibility, and to stay updated on our website or app, signing up to warnings notifications."

River Flooding Expected Across Cork

River and surface water flooding is expected across Cork and other parts of Munster and Leinster on Friday and into the weekend. The recent rainfall earlier this week has left ground saturated and rivers swollen, meaning the incoming heavy rainfall will have immediate impact. Large rivers may overflow their banks, while smaller rivers and streams could flood more rapidly. Intense rainfall even over short periods may overwhelm urban drainage systems in Cork City and other urban areas.

Met Éireann warns of difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility expected across Cork. Debris on roads is also anticipated.

Meteorological Situation

The weather system has developed as air flow over the North Atlantic has become increasingly blocked, with a slow-moving area of high pressure near Greenland and a low pressure system to the southwest of Ireland. Storm Claudia has been influencing Irish weather all week, feeding weather fronts northwards over the country. The frontal zone is expected to stall over Ireland as the high pressure system moves closer, bringing lower temperatures and more stable weather by early next week.

Safety Advice for Cork Residents

Met Éireann and emergency services are urging people to take precautions during this weather event. Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks, as banks can collapse without warning. Avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions, where water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual.

If driving, slow down, increase stopping distances and watch for surface water and debris on roads. If the road ahead is flooded, do not enter. Turn around and find another route. As little as 150mm of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet, and 300mm of fast-flowing water can move most cars off the road.

The Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to "Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry" and avoid coastal areas. Farmers in affected areas are advised to move vehicles, machinery and livestock to higher ground before flooding arrives, where possible.

ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and advises the public and emergency services to stay away from fallen cables and report them immediately to ESB Emergency Services at 1800 372 999. Monitor PowerCheck.ie for power restoration updates.

Staying Informed

The warnings are likely to be updated as the situation develops. Residents should stay up to date with the forecast and warnings for Cork on met.ie, the Met Éireann app, or Met Éireann social media channels. Check in with Cork City Council, Cork County Council, An Garda Síochána and other emergency services via their websites and social channels to see how your area will be affected.

For flood-specific information visit www.met.ie.

Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication, and keep a small amount of food, medical supplies and water supplies in case it becomes dangerous to leave your home. You can consult the OPW flood maps at www.floodinfo.ie to see areas that may be at risk of flooding based on historical data.